Wines from South Tyrol and Trentino

A German variety finds its South Tyrolean perfection: Kerner, crossed from Trollinger and Riesling in Weinsberg around 1930, unfolds its full aromatic power in the sun-drenched altitudes of the Eisack Valley between 600 and 800 metres. On light, stony sandy soils, this new variety matures into a wine that combines the elegance of Riesling with the robustness of Trollinger. After the harvest harvest, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel to optimally preserve their natural freshness.

La Manina, a vibrant white wine from biodynamic cultivation in the Dolomites region, is characterised by freshness and loyalty to its origins. The 2024 vintage was characterised by sunny days, cool mountain nights and healthy grapes with a pronounced aroma. After being harvested by hand, it ferments at controlled temperatures in stainless steel. It is then aged on fine lees for a few months to promote texture and structure.

The vines for this fresh Müller-Thurgau grow under Guyot training in south/southwest-facing hilly locations at 500 to 800 metres above sea level, on soils consisting of clay and weathered porphyry. Rich yellow-green colour, intense aromas of fruit, flowers and light nutty notes. On the palate, fruit depth, delicate mineral-salty notes and well-integrated acidity lend powerful elegance and character. SUPERIORE.DE

For decades, Margreid has been considered the Merlot Eldorado of South Tyrol – and Alois Lageder as its master. On the gentle slopes between 230 and 320 metres above sea level, where the first international vines were planted back in 1934, Merlots of impressive clarity are produced. The bouquet reveals intense notes of wild berries and plums, interspersed with fine spices and a hint of graphite. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and velvety, with a lively freshness and a lingering fruity final. SUPERIORE.DE

On the Löwenpass, where merchants once crossed paths, wines of pure drinking pleasure are produced today. This organically produced cuvée combines four grape varieties to create an exciting pleasure experience: Müller Thurgau forms the fresh backbone, Pinot Grigio provides the structure, while Moscato Giallo and Gewürztraminer add subtle aromatic accents. Sourced from vineyards between Magreid and the Eisack Valley, the grapes ferment spontaneously in stainless steel tanks and mature for four months on the fine lees. The result is characterised by lively freshness and a playful lightness. Delicate elderflower meets juicy pear, framed by mineral notes from the dolomite soils. A white wine that perfectly embodies Lageder's philosophy of uncomplicated but always high-quality enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale straw yellow with greenish inclusions. Restrained, elegant bouquet of apple, mango and peach. Almost distinguished and aristocratic on the palate, with the savoury aftertaste of hazelnut and light fruit typical of the Nosiola grape variety. Finishes with an admirable length and is incredibly fresh, crisp and flavoursome, ending with a salty sensation. With its zesty acidity, ideal with light meat dishes or shellfish. SUPERIORE.DE

The vines for this Chardonnay grow on volcanic rock in the Pianezzi, Coveli, Molini and Palai parcels at an altitude of 300-750 metres. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Intense fruity nose of apple, banana and pineapple, with a hint of flint and hay. Open and round flavour with well-integrated acidity and mineral-sour citrus notes. It's like drinking a Chardonnay from a mountain spring. SUPERIORE.DE

The Palai area is one of the most representative areas for the production of Müller-Thurgau in Italy due to its microclimatic characteristics and the influence of the Cembra and Isarco valleys. In order to preserve its varietal characteristics (aromas and natural antioxidants), the grapes are processed using the hyper-reduction technique (in the absence of oxygen) developed and patented by the company.

450 metres above sea level, on stony limestone soils around Tramin and Montan: this is where Sauvignon Blanc finds those striking day-night fluctuations that make its aromatic intensity possible in the first place. The mild, sunny climate of Bassa Atesina ensures optimum ripeness, while cool nights preserve the flavours. In the cellar, the grapes undergo an 8–10-hour cold maceration – longer than the other white wines from the estate –to release the full flavour potential from the skins. After gentle pressing and natural sedimentation, the must ferments at 19 °C in stainless steel.

The 2023 vintage brought a balanced climate with warm days and cool nights, which harmoniously combined freshness and ripeness. Martin Foradori's Merlot is characterised by cool noblesse and a clear structure. Dark berries, fine herbs and a hint of graphite characterise the bouquet. The ageing partly in large wooden barrels and partly in cement eggs gives the wine depth without excess weight. The palate is juicy, precise and supported by silky tannins - a South Tyrolean Merlot of quiet sovereignty and terroir-related elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

Rhine Riesling in South Tyrol? What sounds unusual at first glance makes perfect sense in the valley floor around Kurtinig. The loose, well-aerated sandy soils with calcareous gravel offer ideal conditions for the demanding Rheinriesling. The microclimate does the rest: the warm afternoon wind from Lake Garda alternates with cool morning breezes from the north, ensuring constant ventilation from April to October. The grapes undergo a 6–8-hour cold maceration before pressing – a process that releases the fine fruit flavours from the skins. Fermentation takes place at a controlled 19 °C in stainless steel.

The aromatic soul of South Tyrol. Gewürztraminer is considered the most typical of all South Tyrolean white wines – full-bodied and unmistakably aromatic. At Peter Zemmer, this grape variety grows on low-growing rootstock in the Guyot system, in the best vineyard sites on the valley floor around Kurtinig at 220–230 metres above sea level. The favourable location, ideal sunshine and good aeration of the grapes create ideal conditions for this demanding variety. After destemming, a six to eight-hour cold maceration follows, which transfers the valuable flavours from the skins into the must and intensifies the characteristic bouquet. Gentle pressing and subsequent fermentation at a controlled temperature of 19 °C in stainless steel preserve the varietal aromas in all their splendour.

The evening fall winds of the Mendel Mountains characterise the entire terroir of the St. Michael-Eppan winery. They ensure cool nights and give the grapes those extraordinary characteristics that characterise the aromas, unmistakable freshness and longevity of the wines. The fall wind is the natural force that blows over the vineyard every day, positively influencing the climate and supporting the valuable work of the winegrowers at the cooperative winery.

Documented since 1370, Lagrein epitomises authentic South Tyrol like no other grape variety. This autochthonous variety, related to Syrah and resulting from a natural cross with Teroldego, finds optimal conditions in the alluvial soils of Bolzano, Ora and Magreid. The natural cultivation of the selected partner farms respects the characteristic intensity of this Burgundy-coloured variety. Traditional mash fermentation at a controlled temperature in steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and twelve months of ageing in large wooden barrels, results in a Lagrein with a classic character.

The vineyards are located in the village of Nalles at 330 to 400 metres above sea level, and if you look beyond the church tower, practically the entire mountain face is planted with Sauvignon Blanc. Solid and typical South Tyrolean Sauvignon Bianco with lively flavours of elderberry and gooseberry. Fine and medium-bodied on the palate with good acidity and a harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Dellago comes from Pinot Bianco parcels personally selected by cellar master Stephan Filippi on characteristic porphyry and limestone soils, where Archduke Johann of Austria established Pinot Blanc in South Tyrol as early as 1850. The special terroir with its distinctive temperature fluctuations between warm days and cool nights gives the hand-picked grapes the mineral precision that characterises Dellago. After careful manual harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and vinified in two parts: The majority matures traditionally in stainless steel tanks on the fine lees, while a small but decisive proportion undergoes alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation in French barriques – a subtle use of wood gives the wine additional structure and complexity without overpowering its Burgundian elegance.

This great Chardonnay comes from the Kleinstein estate in Signat near Bolzano. Bright yellow in colour with green reflections, a wonderfully fruity bouquet with aromas of apple, pineapple and banana. The typical flavour of a fresh Chardonnay on the palate: clear, elegant, full and pleasantly dry, with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE