It was a beautiful October day when we visited the Alto Adige wine region in northern Italy, near the Austrian border. Alto Adige/Südtirol is described as, between the Alps and Mediterranean, German and Italian, deeply rooted and open minded. These are great descriptors for this unique area of Italy. However, what really prompted me to visit is the fact that most Alto Adige wines are from small family owned vineyards. Then, when I visited Alto Adige's natural beauty caught my attention. An article by Adam Japko captures the amazing beauty of this wine region and its amazing wines.
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Vineyards in Alto Adige © Spaswinefood
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| October grape vines © Spaswinefood |
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| Grapes ready for harvest © Spaswinefood |
Alto Adige wine country is home to wineries that produce some of the most impressive DOC white wines in Italy. Alto Adige Wines list the grape varietals found in the area. While Alto Adige is know for its D.O.C. and I.G.T. white wines it produces some reds and sparkling wines as well. Wolfgang M. Weber's article in San Francisco Chronicle talks about Italian wines with a German twist. This is a perfect description of Alto Adige wines.
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Alto Adige © Spaswinefood
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| Alto Adige © Spaswinefood |
Our first stop in Alto Adige was at Kellerei Cantina Tramin. At Kellerei Cantina Tramin we did extensive tasting.
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| Kellerei Cantina Tramin © Spaswinefood |
In fact, we did a comprehensive tasting of white wines, both new and old vintages. The wine flights we tasted included 1st flight: T-Bianco 2010 and Pinot Grigio 2010; 2nd flight Moriz Pinot Bianco 2010 and Gewürztraminer 2010; 3rd flight Stoan 2010, 2006 and 2004; 4th flight Unterebner Pinot Grigio 2010 and 2002; 5th flight Montan Sauvignon 2010; 6th flight Nussbaumer Gewürztraminer 2010, 2009, 2006, 2003, and 2001; 7th flight Maglan Pinot Noir 2008 and Urban Lagrein 2009; and 8th flight Terminum Gewürztraminer 2009 and 2006. This was definitely a comprehensive cross-section of white wines, with a few reds as well.
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Kellerei Cantina Tramin wine tasting © Spaswinefood
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Willi Silli Stürz and Wolfgang Klotz introduce each wine © Spaswinefood
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The extensive tasting certainly opened my eyes to the excellent white wines being produced at Kellerei Cantina Tramin. The 6th flight Nussbaumer Gewürztraminer really caught my attention, especially the 2003 and 2001; also the 2006 Stoan was delightful. The two reds, Maglan Pinot Noir and Urban Lagrein were a nice contrast. Reviews of Kellerei Cantina Tramin wines include CellerTracker and Snooth.
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| What a beautiful setting for a wine tasting © Spaswinefood |
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| Our table after tasting © Spaswinefood |
Alto Adige only one third the size of Napa produces 1% of Italy's wine. Given the natural beauty of Alto Adige wine region it is a popular agritourism area. You will find excellent bed and breakfast accommodations (see also Tripadvisor), restaurants and spas in the region. Just thinking of Alto Adige makes me want to return. Fall was the perfect time to visit. It was awesome to see the beautiful autumn colors arriving in the valley. I felt especially lucky to be visiting during harvest time. What a special treat to be introduced to this very special wine region.
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| Grape vines starting to take on a golden color © Spaswinefood |
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| Beautiful autumn colors © Spaswinefood |
Check out other articles on Italy and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
Alto Adige, Italy
October, 2011
© Spaswinefood
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| Seehofkeller for lunch © Spaswinefood |
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