In the Central Adige Valley between Bolzano and Merano lies the Terlano basin with its wine strongholds of Terlano, Nalles, and Andriano. Striking red weathered porphyry soils characterize the landscape here. In these dry soils with a low humus content that store heat well, the grapevines need to form deep roots in order to get enough water. That is also the reason why the Italian white wines of Alto Adige that are particularly long-lived thrive here. They are emphatically mineral-rich, well-structured, and bursting with finesse, such as Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Chardonnay, the “Terlaner” cuvée, Riesling, Müller Thurgau, and Sylvaner.
But red wines such as Cabernet and Merlot also open up a broad fullness and abundant aromas on the sandy, loamy soils of the lower elevations.
| Vineyard area: |
335 ha. / 828 acres (6% of province total) |
| Vineyard elevations: |
250-900 m. (800-3,000 ft.) above sea level |
| Soils: |
red porphyry base; water-permeable limestone in Nals and Andrian |
| Production: |
63% white wine, 37% red wine |
| Most important varieties: |
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Schiava, Lagrein |