Red Wine

When Prince Henry of Campofranco moved from Sicily to Caldaro in 1851, he brought cuttings of Moscato Rosa along with him.

Today, this full-bodied, aromatic, and complex dessert wine with its intense perfume of roses is a specialty that is very much in demand. Moscato Rosa is temperamental to grow and produces only minimal yields of naturally sweet grapes that are fermented like a red wine.

The original name of this autochthonous grape variety was Farnatzer or Vernetzer. Its first documented historical mention dates back to the end of the Middle Ages, and it has played a central role in Alto Adige winegrowing since the sixteenth century.
The Schiava grape, known in German as Vernatsch, produces a light wine that is low in tannins, with a moderate alcohol content and individual character that is typical to the zone. For example, the St. Magdalener (Santa Maddalena) is regarded fuller in body, the Kalteresee (Lago di Caldaro) is softer, and the Meraner (Meranese) is somewhat spicy.

Malvasia is a natural hybrid of Red Veltliner and Sylvaner. It has been planted only to a small extent along the Alto Adige Wine Route.
The color of the wine is light red with salmon-colored reflections, and its bouquet is somewhat bold yet discreet and pleasantly floral.

The Burgundian king among red wines has been planted in Alto Adige since the middle of the nineteenth century. When grown in vineyards of medium elevation that are not too dry, this variety reveals it full potential, yielding well-structured wines that are often amazingly close to their models in Burgundy.

Typical Alto Adige Pinot Noirs have a rich and intense scent of dark berries, spice, and violets.

In addition to Pinot Noir and Schiava, this is one of Alto Adige’s leading red wine varieties. Lagrein is an autochthonous wine filled with character. Its origins are deeply rooted in the provincial capital of Bolzano, and it has recently experienced a genuine renaissance.

Lagrein is impressive with its aromas of berries, fresh cherries, and violets. On the palate, it demonstrates a velvety body and soft acidity. After aging in small oak casks, tones of spice lend additional charm and character to the top selections. A rosé version of the grape is also made, known as “Lagrein Kretzer” (or “Lagrein Rosato”).

Merlot was first planted in Alto Adige along with other Bordeaux varieties around 120 years ago.
This early-ripening variety is planted primarily in warm locations on deep, chalky soils. It yields fruity, full-bodied wines with a southern charm and soft, ripe tannins.