Alto Adige/Suditrol Flashcards
(32 cards)
Describe the wine industry in the past and present for AA
-Extremely old, dates back to Rhaeti tribe (Eustracans)
-One of the oldest regions in German-speaking Europe
-Light red wines exported to Germany were traditional
-Moved towards quality wines in 1990s following German precision and consistent styles
-Cooperative dominated (80%) smaller sized co’ops
Where are the wine growing regions in AA located?
All in glacial valleys
1. Venosta Valley in N/W (left are of Y) where Adige river begins
2. Isarco Valley in N/E (right arm of Y)
Only 15% of land is cultivated. Floors for apples, hills for grapes
What is the climate of AA?
Continental (rather than alpine) because of mediterreran and Lake Garda’s influence moderates
Sunny, diurnal swings
Avg temp 64
Around Bolzano geological basin so traps heat in summer (near Bolzano)
Name the 6 wine growing districts in AA
- Baissa Atesina (Unterland)
- Oltradige
- Bolzano
- Val d’Adige
- Merano
- Valle Iscaro
What are the NtK varieties in AA - 3 red, 4 white
Schiava (r)
Lagrien (r)
Pinot Nero
Gewurztraminer (w)
Pinot Bianco/Weissburgunder
Muller Thurgau
Sylvaner
What does the term Schiava refer to?
A group of unrelated varieties that share common characteristics
Translates to “female slave”
Grapes look like table grapes and are approachable, light color & body, low tannin, high acid
Native to Alto Adige
Grossa most planted variety
What are the most widely planted varieties in AA?
Schiava
Pinot Grigio
Gewurz
Pinot Bianco
Chardonnay
What blend would a Terlano with no variety listed be?
50% Pinot Bianco and/or 50% Chardonnay and some Sauv Blanc
What are the 6 Schiava appellations in AA?
- AA/Suditrol Schiava DOC
- AA Santa Maddalena DOC
- AA Meranese DOC
- AA Colli di Bolzano DOC
- Lago di Caldaro DOC
- Valdadige Schiava DOC
What soils types does Schiava and Lagrein do best on?
Alluvial, gravelly-sandy in Alto Adige
What soils types does Gewurtraminer do best on?
Lime rich soils in Alto Adige
What soils types does Sauvignon do best on?
Gravel terraced slopes in AA
What soils types does Sylvaner do best on?
Weathered, rocky soil
Describe where in AA Bolzano, Basa Atesina, Venosta Valley and Isarco Valley are and the soil types
Bolazano - middle of the Y. Volcanic
Basa A. S/W near Trentino and dolomites- Limestone and dolomite
Venosta Valley - N/W, top left of Y. Sandy, infertile
Isarco - N/E, top right of Y. Weather schist, gneiss and slate
Describe characteristics of Lagrein
Related to Teroldego
Red wine so dark it is called dunkel (dark)
Rosato styles called kretzler
High tannin and acid
Town: Greis in AA can be on label
What are the varieties grown in Val d’Adige?
Sauv Blanc, Pinot Bianco
What varieties are grown in Isarco Valley?
German varietals: Sylvaner, Riesling, Muller Thurgau, Kerner
-think furthest north/closest to Austria
What grapes are grown in Merano?
Schiava
(In Alto Adige)
What grapes are grown in Val Venosta?
M-T, Riesling, Pinot Bianco
-used to be apple orchards now center of new vineyard development
What varieties are grown in Oltradige and sub-regions?
Sub-regions: Lago di Caldaro & Appiano
Schiava
“Heart” of AA wine district
What grapes are grown in Bolzano?
Lagrein (r) Schiava (r)
In Alto Adige, foot of valleys makes a heat trap
Describe Alto Adige politically?
Most isolated and independent of the 5 autonomous regions
Officially bi-lingual but German principal language
A “country within a country”
What are the styles of AA/Suditrol DOC?
General:
Mainly single varietal
If blend of two grapes, names of both will appear on labels. Applies to red and white
Can be released as riserva after 2 yrs aging (except Schiava and M-T)
Whites - can be vendemmia tardive & passito
Specific:
Lagrein can be added to label. Red or rosato (kretzer)
Weiss - white blend of Chard, PB, PG
-Must be varietally labeled (85% or more)
What are the grapes and styles in Lago di Caldaro/Kalterersee
Schiava, 85%
Light, refreshing style
Can be Classico
Auslese - scelto 11.5% min ABV
Region is largest producer of Schiava in AA; inter regional with Trentino
