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The wines of Trentino
Viticulture in this region experienced its first important period of development in the time of Ancient Rome, but vines were grown here as far back as Etruscan times. With the barbarian invasions, viticulture came to a standstill, and only recommenced thanks to the work of monks, in particular the Benedictines. In 1800 most of the vineyards were converted to the production of silk and mulberries, causing a serious crisis in the sector. Over time, the tenacious commitment of its producers made Trentino-Alto Adige one of the best wine-growing areas in Italy, both for the production of white and red wines, and for Metodo Classico sparkling wines. From Lake Garda to the terraces of the Cembra Valley, vineyards are the distinctive trait of the Trentino landscape. The area under vine amounts to over 10,000 hectares, made up of 74% white grape and 26% black grape varieties. The Trentino wine production zone has a considerable range of varieties, with a total of 63 different cultivars grown.
Trentino’s grape varieties
In addition to the native varieties Nosiola, Teroldego and Marzemino, diverse climates and soils allow for the cultivation of numerous international varieties, used to produce exceptional, inimitable wines. The southern province of Trentino produces superb red wines, in particular from Teroldego grapes. Among the white-berried grapes, it is worth mentioning the most famous and interesting variety of Trentino, from which white and sweet wines are produced: Nosiola. Alto Adige is home to widely appreciated fine DOC wines, especially whites such as Alto Adige Pinot Bianco or Alto Adige Valle Venosta Traminer Aromatico. In the Trentino area we also find important reds, such as Teroldego Rotaliano, and famous whites such as Trentino Muller-Thurgau. There are three macro-designations, Alto Adige DOC, Trentino DOC and Valdadige DOC, which account for almost all the vineyards and which bring together a complex group of wine types, both red and white, monovarietals and blends, local peculiarities of the sub-zones and spumantes.
Trentino DOC wines
Trentino boasts five DOC zones (Trentino, Trento, Teroldego Rotaliano, Valdadige and Casteller) and two IGT designation wines (Vigneti delle Dolomiti and Vallagarina), which protect the identity of this territory and the typical, distinctive nature of the wine produced here. The most widely grown white grape varieties are international cultivars (Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc), which join forces with Pinot Noir in the production of Metodo Classico spumantes. Among the international varieties, Moscato Rosa and Moscato Giallo stand out. The native black grape varieties of reference are Marzemino, Teroldego and Schiava. In the Trento area, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Cabernet are also grown. Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult varieties to grow and requires particular attention. It is grown most widely in Trentino, and above all on the Mazzon plateau. Vinified as a red wine, it has a fine, delicate and extremely elegant nose reminiscent of forest fruits such as currants, raspberries, blackberries and cherries. Vinified as a white wine, on the other hand, it is an excellent base for the production of Metodo Classico spumantes, thanks to its balanced acidity and limpid colour. It is behind the creation of spumantes such as Oltrepò Pavese, Franciacorta, Trento DOC and Alta Langa. Finally, excellent rosé spumantes can also be made using the skins of Pinot Noir must, resulting in fresh aromas and a delicate palate.
Tasting wines from Trentino
The cuisines of Trentino and Alto Adige are typical of the countryside, with meat and cheese specialities, the products of ancient farming traditions, in which the land was worked to produce particularly nutritious fodder for cattle breeding. First course dishes include Canederli bread dumplings, served in broth or a sauce, Cazoncei, spinach Strangolapreti and Panada, all of which go particularly well with an aromatic Trentino Superiore Marzemino Isera, while an Arctic char with tarragon pairs excellently with a delicious Moscato Giallo. Traditional cheeses such as Puzzone di Moena, Trentingrana, Spessa delle Giudicarie and Vezzena, are best paired with a Teroldego, which also goes well with Tonco del Pontesel or with charcoal-grilled Salamelle and Polenta di Storo. Alto Adige, the northern province of the region, offers extremely interesting, varied wine production, mainly concentrated on Alto Adige wines, both red and white, of excellent quality. Many international varieties are grown here, although native grape varieties are the most important and representative. Alto Adige also produces some interesting, high-quality red wines, in particular from Lagrein, the region’s famous native variety, and Pinot Noir, which in this area can produce wines of outstanding class and elegance. Nor should we forget Gewürztraminer, or Traminer Aromatico, or the many wines produced from Schiava in its sub-varieties Grossa, Grigia and Gentile, known locally as Vernatsch.