About Alto Adige

The Alto Adige wine growing region is located in Italy’s far north. The wine region includes low hills and high rises as well as various climates that include the Mediterranean climate and arid valleys.

This wine region includes 5,000 grape growers, who on the average, cultivate two and a half acres each. The elevations of the vineyards range between 650 and 3,280 feet. On average the regions experiences 300 days of sunshine. The vineyards are affected by warm air from the Mediterranean. It appears that the cold winds from the Alps are blocked from region by steep elevations.

The vineyard soils vary in composition and may include, mica, quartz, limestone, sandy marl and dolomite and volcanic soils. There are 400 wineries of which 12 are cooperative wineries. The coops produce 70 percent of the wine production. Cultivation of grapes takes place on 13,838 acres.

Approximately two-thirds of the wine production is white wine. The region cultivates 20 various grape varieties. The majority of grapes growing in the area include: Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Schiava, Pinot Noir, Lagrein and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Alto Adige DOC has several  subzones including: Valle Isarco, Terlano, Meranese, S. Maddalena, Colli di Bolzano and Val Venosta.

We were sent four samples, enough for a wine tasting, of four Schiava from four different producers in the Alto Adige wine region in Northern Italy. Schiava also know as Vernatsch.

During the wine tasting, “Terry asked, How do you entice Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah wine enthusiasts to drink Schiava.” The panel responded, “It is elegant. Schiava can be an alternative to a light bodied Pinot Noir. To show a new part of the wine world.”

Wines

The 2020 Rottensteiner Kalterer See Auslese, Alto Adige DOC, was crafted from 100% Schiava grapes. The vineyard soil was composed of sand and sedimentary soils. The grapes were vinified in stainless steel tanks. This 12.6% alcohol wine had a translucent ruby color with a pink hue. Red berry fruits and mineral were noticed on the aroma. The taste included red raspberries. a hint of strawberries, minerals and baking spices. The wine had a medium body with mild tannins. The wine finish was fruity with some baking spices. The suggested retail price is $20.

The 2019 Gump Hof Vernatsch Mediaevum, Alto Adige DOC, was a translucent ruby color with a red hue. The Schiava grapes were grown in calcareous morainic soils. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. This 12.5% alcohol wine had an aroma of red berry fruits. The taste was reminiscent of red raspberries, red cherries and baking spices. The wine had a medium body with mild tannins. The crisp finish was fruity with a hint of baking spices on the aftertaste. This example of Schiava was very food friendly and can pair with breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. The suggested retail price is $24.

The 2020 Kurtatsch Sonntaler, Alto Adige DOC, was also crafted with 100% Schiava grapes. The grapes were grown in red sandy, loamy soil with dolomite, porphyry and clay minerals. The 12.5% alcohol wine had a translucent red color with a pink hue. The intense aroma offered red fruits. The taste included red raspberries, red cherries, a hint of strawberries and some baking spices. The wine had a medium/full body with mild tannins. It was suggested to serve the wine chilled to about 55º F. The finish was fruity. The suggested retail price is $29.

The 2018 Kellerei Bozen Moar, Alto Adige DOC, was a blend of Schiava 85% and Lagrein 15%. The grapes were grown on the slopes of Santa Maddalena in gravelly porphyry soils. The wine had an opaque dark ruby color and 13.5% alcohol. Red fruits were on the aroma whereas the taste reminded us of red raspberries, red cherries and baking spices. The wine had a medium full body with mild tannins. The finish had a nice blend of fruit and spices. The suggested retail price is $43. 

All four wine samples were delicious and would make a great summer red for warmer temperatures. Consider chilling the wine and enjoy it as you would a rosé during the summer. Schiava is a good wine to use as an aperitif. 

Cheers,
Terry & Kathy