Autochthonous grape varieties

The Lagrein grows especially well in Auer/Ora. This variety is one of South Tyrol’s leading grapes; it is also cultivated in the basin of the Bolzano valley, Überetsch, and the Etsch/Adige Valley. The Lagrein prefers terroirs at lower elevations, with warm soils rich in sand, gravel, and porphyry. Lagrein is ruby to dark garnet in color, with a nose reminiscent of violets and blackberries. On the palate, it is full-bodied, velvety, and pleasantly dry. It goes well with game, red meat, and hard cheeses.

Around 90 percent of the Schiava vineyards are located in the delimited zones of Santa Maddalena, the Burgraviate and Lake Kaltern/Caldaro. Schiava is cultivated in the locations with warm microclimates and good ventilation. These are terraced slopes with deep soil located between 400 and 500 meters above sea level that cool down well at night. Vernatsch has a light ruby-red to dark ruby color, is pleasantly mild with a fruity flavor and often with a hint of bitter almond. It‘s enerally appropriate with all appetizers and especially smoked bacon, sausages, cheese, traditional South Tyrolean rustic dishes, and veal.

The most important cultivation zones of the variety in Alto Adige are found in Tramin/Termeno, Eppan/Appiano,Kaltern/Caldaro, Kurtatsch/Cortaccia, Bolzano/Bozen and in the Isarco Valley. It flourishes well on warm terraced slopes up to 600 meters above sea level. The aromas develop especially intensely with grapes that mature at medium-level terraced slopes as well as on calcareous, moderately heavy loamy soils. The color is straw to gold-yellow, it‘s aromatic and full-bodied with a slight to pronounced bouquet and pleasantly dry, somewhat spicy aroma. Notes reminiscent of cloves, roses, and lychee. Gewürztraminer goes well with fish starters, savory pies, paté de foie gras, crustacean and shellfish, as well as with piquant oriental dishes. However, it is also an excellent aperitif or dessert wine.