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The Innovative Wines of Italy’s Südtirol Alto Adige Region

January 24 by Priscilla 2 Comments

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There are no bad days in Italy, and when you are on a wine and culinary exploration that includes a visit to the breathtakingly beautiful alpine regions of Northern Italy to discover the wines of Südtirol-Alto Adige, it is nothing short of unforgettable!

Lake Kaltern-Italy | Suditrol - Alto Adige wine region

We arrived at Cantina Kaltern where we met Daniel Nogler, our charismatic guide for the afternoon. Daniel swiftly collected a rack of glasses and a few bottles of Kaltern Brut Nature and we piled into the van for a quick drive-by view of picturesque hillside vineyards before disembarking at a spectacular vantage point high above Lake Kaltern. Catina Kaltern is a cooperative of 700 wineries that cultivate over 400 hectare of vineyards.The co-op is a landmark for the wines produced in the Lake Kaltern area and the wine under the famous appellation of “Kalterersee”.

Lake Kaltern-Italy | Suditrol - Alto Adige wine region

Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost Italian wine region, comprising two areas with very different personalities: the Germanic Alto Adige or Südtirol, which borders and once belonged to Austria and, below it, the more Italian, but still very Alpine, Trentino. The region’s capital and largest city is Trento, followed closely by the Südtirol provincial capital, Bozen (Bolzano). The breathtaking valley of the Adige River is renowned in the wine world for varietally labeled cool-climate wines, mainly white. In 2016, Trentino–Alto Adige produced 1.1 million hectoliters (12.7 million cases) of wine, more than 70% of it white and almost 90% at the DOP level, the highest percentage of any region. The region’s primary grape varieties are Chardonnay (22%), Pinot Grigio (19%), and Schiava (9%). {Source: Italian Wine Central}

Lake Kaltern-Italy | Suditrol - Alto Adige wine region

In English, made so much more charming with a lilting Austrian German accent, Daniel Nogler shared the history and nature of the wines of Südtirol-Alto Adige. Time lost all significance as we sipped and savored sublime sandwiches of impossibly delicious, fresh made Italian bread stuffed with Truffle Mortadella that our host Chef Mark McDonald had scored in Desenzano del Garda where we were staying for our first four nights.

The bright acidity of Kaltern Brut Nature sparkling wine is a perfect pairing for the cured meats and cheeses that Northern Italy is renowned for. The varietal: Chardonnay; the method: called Metodo Classico is the same method as méthode champenoise in Champagne and is considered to be the highest quality technique. Wines made in this manner resemble traditional Champagne or Cava, and many are the same quality as French champagnes, with a lower price point.

Kaltern Brut Nature tasting notes

The tasting notes are from Kaltern’s website and I love the accompanying recommendation:

“I drink […] when I‘m happy and when I‘m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I‘m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I‘m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I‘m thirsty.” (Lily Bollinger)

Lake Kaltern is the heart of the Alto Adige winegowing region. Gently rolling vineyards and splendid wineries are typical of Lake Kaltern, which attracts countless wine lovers from around the world. Merlot and Cabernet are grown in the valley areas and Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir at the higher elevations along with the traditional Schiava (Vernatsch). The multitude of varieties are proof of the spirit of the times and the innovative ideas and quality management of the winegrowers. {Source: Alto Adige wines}

Lake Kaltern Alto Adige wine region , Italy

With picturesque photo ops at every turn, we meandered back to the van to continue our wine education with a visit to Erste + Neue’s impressive cave and taste more fabulous wines of Alto Adige.

Lake Kaltern-Italy | Suditrol - Alto Adige wine region

Erste + Neue Italian Wine of Südtirol Alto Adige

Vibrant depictions of Italian gods and goddesses adorn the walls of the barrel room.

The Erste+Neue winery has been part of the history of the Kaltern wine trade for over 100 years. The 1986 merger of the Erste (“first”) wine co-operative (founded in 1900) with the Neue (“new”) wine co-operative (founded in 1925) produced a South Tyrolean winery that is rich in both tradition and renown. Always forward-thinking, Erste + Neue affiliated with Cantina Kaltern in 2016 and the decision was made to retain the brand in view of its prominence and tradition in the world of wine.

Erste+Neue today produces ten typical Alto Adige varieties:

White Wines: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Moscato Giallo, Müller Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc. Red Wines: Lagrein,  Pinot Noir, and Schiava (Vernatsch). “Their wine maker’s ambition is to make every wine both an original and a discovery. The characteristics of each varietal is emphasized with full expression given to the characteristics of the area of origin. The result is harmonious wines combining an impressive aromatic intensity with great elegance. Their two quality lines comprise distinctive white wines, red wines with an unmistakable varietal character and a sweet dessert wine.”

We had too much fun tasting a total of 13 of Erste + Neue’s repertoire of wines.

Daniel Nogler, Chef Mark McDonald

Wine tasting orchestrated by Daniel Nogler with Chef Mark McDonald looking on.

Lake Kaltern-Italy | Suditrol - Alto Adige wine region

Thank you to Cantina Kaltern and Erste + Neue for your warm hospitality and introduction to the wines of Südtirol Alto Adige.

This was just one afternoon’s adventure on the culinary tour of Northern Italy that my girlfriend and I took in October. A truly memorable trip, Chef Mark McDonald’s Splendors of Northern Italy tour lived up to its promise with breathtaking vistas, stunning architecture, the pastoral beauty of vineyards as far as the eye can see, wine tasting experiences, impressive cooking demonstrations, and delicious food forays in city centers and the countryside. Italiaphiles and newbies like myself can find much to savor and enjoy in his two itineraries for 2018: Splendors of Ancient Italy and Splendors of Southern Italy.

Chef Mark McDonald is the owner/chef of über popular Old Vine Cafe at The Camp in Costa Mesa  — a cozy bistro-like setting, they serve Brunch every day and creative prix fixe menus with wine pairings in the evening. If you haven’t been, you absolutely must go!

Old Vine Cafe

Located inside The Camp

2937 Bristol St. Suite A-102
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone:  714-545-1411

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Category Travel Tags Alto Adige wines| Chef Mark McDonald| Italian wine| Italy

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Comments

  1. Agness of eTramping

    January 30 at 2:13 pm

    As a passionate lover of wine, I will have to add Südtirol-Alto Adige to my bucket list and cross it off as soon as possible. Is it possible to find accommodation there?

    Reply
    • Priscilla

      January 30 at 4:53 pm

      Hi Agness – You absolutely must go! I’m sure there are accommodations in nearby Bolzano – the capital of Südtirol Alto Adige region. Our group stayed in Descanzano del Garda and took day trips to Verona and Lake Kaltern.

      Reply

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