{"id":27671,"date":"2018-01-24T06:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-01-24T14:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/?p=27671"},"modified":"2018-07-10T17:29:16","modified_gmt":"2018-07-11T00:29:16","slug":"the-innovative-wines-of-italys-suditrol-alto-adige-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/the-innovative-wines-of-italys-suditrol-alto-adige-region\/","title":{"rendered":"The Innovative Wines of Italy’s S\u00fcdtirol Alto Adige Region"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 S\u00fcdtirol-Alto Adige, it is nothing short of unforgettable!<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

We arrived at Cantina Kaltern<\/strong> 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<\/em> <\/strong><\/a>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 \u201cKalterersee\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost Italian wine region, comprising two areas with very different personalities: the Germanic Alto Adige or S\u00fcdtirol, which borders and once belonged to Austria and, below it, the more Italian, but still very Alpine, Trentino. The region\u2019s capital and largest city is Trento, followed closely by the S\u00fcdtirol 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\u2013Alto 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\u2019s primary grape varieties are Chardonnay (22%), Pinot Grigio (19%), and Schiava (9%). {Source: Italian Wine Central<\/a>}<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

In English, made so much more charming with a lilting Austrian German accent, Daniel Nogler shared the history and nature of the wines of S\u00fcdtirol-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.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Metodo Classico is the same method as m\u00e9thode 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.<\/p>\n

\"Kaltern<\/p>\n

The tasting notes are from Kaltern’s website and I love the accompanying recommendation:<\/p>\n

\u201cI drink [\u2026] when I\u2018m happy and when I\u2018m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I\u2018m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I\u2018m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I\u2018m thirsty.\u201d (Lily Bollinger)<\/em><\/p>\n

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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, Gew\u00fcrztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir at the higher elevations along with the traditional Schiava (Vernatsch). The multitude of varieties are\u00a0proof of the spirit of the times and the innovative ideas and quality management of the winegrowers. {Source: Alto Adige wines<\/a>}<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

With picturesque photo ops at every turn, we meandered back to the van to continue our wine education with a visit to\u00a0Erste + Neue’s <\/strong>impressive\u00a0cave\u00a0and taste more fabulous wines of Alto Adige.<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

\"Erste<\/p>\n

Vibrant depictions of Italian gods and goddesses adorn the walls of the barrel room.<\/p>\n

The Erste+Neue<\/strong> winery has been part of the history of the Kaltern wine trade for over 100 years. The 1986 merger of the Erste (\u201cfirst\u201d) wine co-operative (founded in 1900) with the Neue (\u201cnew\u201d) 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\u00a0in 2016 and the decision was made to retain the brand in view of its prominence and tradition in the world of wine.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/p>\n

Erste+Neue<\/strong><\/a> today produces ten typical Alto Adige varieties:<\/p>\n

White Wines: Chardonnay,\u00a0Gew\u00fcrztraminer,\u00a0Moscato Giallo,\u00a0M\u00fcller Thurgau,\u00a0Pinot Blanc,\u00a0Pinot Grigio,\u00a0Sauvignon Blanc. Red Wines:\u00a0Lagrein,\u00a0\u00a0Pinot Noir, and\u00a0Schiava (Vernatsch). “Their wine maker\u2019s 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.”<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We had too much fun tasting a total of 13 of Erste + Neue’s repertoire of wines.<\/p>\n

\"Daniel<\/p>\n

Wine tasting orchestrated by Daniel Nogler with Chef Mark McDonald looking on.<\/p>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

Thank you to Cantina Kaltern and Erste + Neue for your warm hospitality and introduction to the wines of S\u00fcdtirol Alto Adige.<\/p>\n

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,\u00a0Chef 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<\/a>: Splendors of Ancient Italy and Splendors of Southern Italy.<\/p>\n

Chef Mark McDonald is the owner\/chef of \u00fcber popular Old Vine Cafe<\/strong> at The Camp in Costa Mesa \u00a0\u2014 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!<\/p>\n

Old Vine Cafe<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Located inside The Camp<\/div>\n
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2937 Bristol St. Suite A-102
\nCosta Mesa, CA 92626<\/a><\/p>\n

Phone:\u00a0\u00a0714-545-1411<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n