South Tyrolean red wine

South Tyrol is traditionally recognized as a land of great white wines. However, 40% of the area under vines in the region is home to red berried vines from which highly appreciated wines are obtained both in Italy and abroad, sometimes reaching quality levels so high that they can be said to be masterpieces.

For over 100 years South Tyrol has preserved an invaluable patrimony of indigenous vines : among the red berried ones we find Schiava, in German Vernatsch, and Lagrein.

Schiava is considered the indigenous grape variety of reference in the South Tyrolean wine scene. Cultivated mainly in Bolzano but also in the Oltradige, Merano and Bassa Atesina, it prefers sufficiently ventilated warm areas, located at an altitude between 400 and 500 meters above sea level with a wide temperature range. Wines produced from this variety generally have a more or less intense ruby red color; the aromas recall red fruit, among which cherry, currant and raspberry predominate, to which intriguing notes of violet and almond can be added. It is characterized by a jovial, fresh and fruity character. It goes well with traditional South Tyrolean dishes and cured meats including speck.
Schiava is the basis of the Santa Maddalena denomination in which it expresses greater fullness, and of the denominations Lago di Caldaro and Colli di Merano where drinking is characterized by greater softness and spicy hints.

Lagrein is one of the top red vines of the Alto Adige region, mainly produced in the Bolzano basin and in the Bassa Atesina. It is grown on soils composed of sand, gravel or porphyry, capable of retaining the heat of the sun for a long time, sometimes even on slopes but at a height never higher than 300 meters above sea level. Lagrein vinified in red, also called Lagrein Scuro or Dunkel in German, appears in the glass of a dark ruby red color that tends to garnet with aging. Its aromas recall berries and fresh cherries, embellished with notes of violet. If it ages in oak barrels it is enriched with noble spicy tones. In the mouth it shows a remarkable body, a strong character and an undeniable elegance. It goes perfectly with red meats and aged cheeses but does not even disdain game.

In addition to the native varieties, the region also hosts international vines that have found a second home here.

We refer to Cabernet , present in the area for 150 years, whose vigorous structure makes it one of the South Tyrolean red wines most suitable for long aging. It stands out from the olfactory point of view for notes of black currant and blackberry accompanied by a touch of black pepper. A robust wine to be combined with classic meat dishes, but also with lamb and feathered game.

Al Merlot , where the bouquet reveals delicious notes of plum jam and spices of various types. It gives life to fruity wines, with a full and soft taste, of great maturity.

Pinot Noir deserves a mention in itself, in German Blauburgunder, the main grape of Burgundy cultivated in South Tyrol since the mid-nineteenth century, mainly in Oltradige and in the Bassa Atesina. It prefers calcareous soils and expresses the maximum potential in the Mazzon parcel, a small fraction of the municipality of Egna, in the Bassa Atesina, compared for the excellence produced to a Grand Cru of the Côte d'Or.

Finally, it is worth noting a new trend that is making its way and which connotes the most recent South Tyrolean red wines, obtained by the mixture of more red berried varieties, to give the so-called Cuvées .