10 Must-Try Wines to Discover Alto Adige

Altitude, diverse terroirs and remarkable precision: a selection showcasing one of Italy’s finest wine regions.

Nestled between the majestic Dolomites and the Mediterranean influences drifting north from Italy, Alto Adige (Südtirol) is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most distinctive wine regions. Located in Italy’s northernmost corner, bordering Austria and Switzerland, it harmoniously combines Alpine culture, Italian heritage and outstanding winemaking expertise. Despite covering a relatively modest vineyard area of around 5,800 hectares, Alto Adige produces an extraordinary diversity of wines in which the concept of terroir truly comes to life.

The vineyards stretch from 200 to over 1,000 metres above sea level, making Alto Adige one of the highest wine-growing regions in Europe. Steep mountain slopes, narrow valleys and sun-drenched hillsides create a remarkable mosaic of microclimates. Warm, sunny summer days are balanced by particularly cool nights as fresh mountain air flows through the valleys. This significant diurnal temperature variation allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness, tension, aromatic precision and natural balance. The region’s geological diversity is another defining feature of its wines. Vineyards are rooted in an exceptional patchwork of soils shaped by glaciers and tectonic activity, including volcanic porphyry, granite, gneiss, schist, quartz, limestone, dolomite, as well as moraine and alluvial deposits. This remarkable geological richness enables every valley, hillside and even individual vineyard parcel to express its own distinctive identity. Today, the region’s finest producers strive to reveal these individual terroirs with remarkable precision through carefully controlled yields and winemaking practices that faithfully preserve both fruit expression and sense of place.

This extraordinary diversity of terroirs is reflected in the impressive range of grape varieties grown throughout the region. White grapes account for around 65% of the total vineyard area, led by Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, alongside Gewürztraminer, whose name is directly linked to the village of Tramin (Termeno), the historic birthplace of its ancestor, Traminer. Higher-altitude vineyards are also home to varieties such as Kerner, Sylvaner and Riesling. Red varieties are equally important, with Pinot Noir, Schiava (Vernatsch), Lagrein, as well as smaller plantings of Merlot, Moscato Rosa and Cabernet Sauvignon thriving in the region’s warmest sites.

The ten wines featured in this selection perfectly capture the richness and diversity of this fascinating region. From world-class age-worthy white wines and some of the finest expressions of Gewürztraminer to historic blends and iconic labels that have earned international acclaim, they reflect Alto Adige’s outstanding level of quality. More than simply a list of outstanding bottles, this selection is an invitation to explore Alto Adige through its exceptional terroirs, breathtaking landscapes and the expertise of winemakers who rank among Italy’s very best.

• Terlan – Terlaner I Primo Grande Cuvee 2023 – Alto Adige Terlano DOC

• Terlan – Rarity 2013 – Alto Adige Terlano DOC

• Terlan – Vorberg 2019 Riserva Pinot Bianco – Alto Adige Terlano DOC

• Cantina Tramin – Nussbaumer 2018 Gewürztraminer – Alto Adige DOC

• Terlan – Vorberg 2023 Pinot Bianco Riserva – Alto Adige Terlano DOC

• Adrian – Doran 2023, Chardonnay Alto Adige DOC Riserva

• Cantina Tramin – Nussbaumer 2024 Gewürztraminer – Alto Adige DOC

• Kellerei Kaltern – Quintessenz Pinot Bianco 2023 – Pinot Bianco DOC

• Cantina Tramin – Unterebner 2013 Pinot Grigio – Alto Adige DOC

• Kellerei Kaltern – Quintessenz 2025, Kalterersee Classico Superiore DOC – Südtirol Alto Adige