The Val Venosta is a special climatic island in the midst of a spectacular Alpine landscape, dominated by the massive Ortler that rises up to nearly 4,000 m. (13,000 ft.) With an average of only 500 mm. (20 in.) of precipitation each year, it receives only about half as much as in the Bassa Atesina. The Lower Val Venosta is known primarily as an apple-growing paradise, but winegrowing is also increasingly experiencing an upswing here – especially since 1995, when the Val Venosta attained DOC status.
A “cool climate” cultivation of grapes is carried out on infertile, sandy soil, producing particularly subtle wines. In addition to Pinot Blanc and Müller Thurgau, Pinot Noir has been developing more and more into a genuine Val Venosta specialty.
| Vineyard area: |
35 ha. / 86 acres (1% of province total) |
| Vineyard elevations: |
500-800 m. (1,300-2,600 ft.) above sea level |
| Soils: |
weathered slate and gneiss, infertile and sandy |
| Production: |
51% white wine, 49% red wine |
| Most important varieties: |
Pinot Noir, Riesling, Schiava, Pinot Blanc |