Trentino

Trentino is the southern part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. In the north lies Alto Adige, also known as South Tyrol, where mainly German is spoken. In Trentino, on the other hand, the Italian language prevails. The Val d’Adige or Adige Valley runs through both regions towards the Alps and Austria.

Although the Trentino wine region is partly characterised by dramatic mountains, it is not exactly a «cool-climate» region. The sheltered plains heat up in summer, while the slopes remain cool. The range of grape varieties is correspondingly broad. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot grigio and Müller-Thurgau can be found on the 10,000 hectares of vineyards in this wine region. Tenuta San Leonardo has been producing a top-class Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère since the 1980s. The grapes that have been brought to the region are joined by indigenous treasures such as the white Nosiola with its nutty, mineral profile and the Marzemino, a floral, light-bodied red.

Trentino is also known for its sparkling wine. The winemaker Giulio Ferrari introduced the Champagne method to the region over 100 years ago. Today, crisp sparkling wines based on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are produced under the Trentodoc label.

The Teroldego grape is a speciality of the Rotaliano Plain. It used to be scoffed at as a rustic wine. Its scratchy acidity and bitterness were to blame. Then came the Foradori family. They were convinced that the Teroldego grape harboured greater potential, and they converted the farm to biodynamics. The grape yields were deliberately limited and only fully ripe grapes were harvested. Foradori red wine is characterised by wonderful juiciness and smoothness. Incidentally, they also age wine in amphorae. This is not in accordance with the doc regulations, so rather than change their method the family simply markets the wines as igt instead.

Trentino is also known for its sparkling wine. The winemaker Giulio Ferrari introduced the Champagne method to the region over 100 years ago. Today, crisp sparkling wines based on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are produced under the Trentodoc label.

Trento, the capital of Trentino, captivates visitors with its blend of Austrian and Italian culture, and its Baroque and Renaissance buildings interspersed with Roman monuments. Even Goethe raved about the landscape of this region, where the vineyards climb up to 1,000 metres in the north and the lemon trees blossom on Lake Garda in the south.

However, Trentino was not a rich region in the past. It was always overshadowed by the richer South Tyrol. This is reflected in the cuisine: cabbage and potatoes are an integral part of the menu – but when served as fluffy gnocchi and homemade sauerkraut, they become a real delicacy. Trento’s cuisine also boasts some of the finest delicacies. Since 1550, the Ecumenical Council has met in the city. The clergy naturally cultivated exquisite taste. As a result, a recipe for Trento-style stuffed chicken has survived from those days. Liver, pine nuts, bread and eggs enhance the poultry.

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Südtiroler, Casteller, Kalterer See, Teroldego Rotaliano, Trentino, Trento, Etschtaler and Valdadige Terradeiforti

Cavit, Foradori, Ferrari, Conti Bossi Fedrigotti, Pojer & Sandri, Roberto Zeni, Tenuta San Leonardo