Geology and soils

Winegrowing in Alto Adige: A Complex Puzzle

Protected by high peaks and mountain chains at the southern edge of the Alps, Alto Adige lies in a climatic island situation. This geographical exception offers unique geological conditions for winegrowing.

Glaciers, secluded valleys, and sunny vineyards are situated close together, only a few miles from each other. The scenic variety of Alto Adige and the geological conditions offer fertile ground for biodiversity. That is precisely the source of that mineral-rich cuvée that is found as its own identity in Alto Adige's multitude of varieties.

“This winegrowing region is so varied in its geology that the classic definition of terroir is nearly too narrow for it. Even vineyards in the immediate vicinity of one another have such different geological and microclimatic features that they decisively shape the identity of the wines.”

Dr. Carlo Ferretti geologist

A Mirror of the History of the Earth

Glacial polish right next to ancient sea beds, clay soils bordering chalk deposits: well over 150 different rock deposits shape the soil composition in Alto Adige’s vineyards. Ideal for the growing of more than twenty different grape varieties.

Geography as wine potential

Within just a few hundred yards, the composition of the soils in Alto Adige’s vineyards can change: volcanic porphyry around Bolzano, weathered primitive rock soils with quartz, slate, and mica in the Isarco Valley and the Val Venosta, up to calcareous and dolomite rock in the southern part of the province.

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From Intuition to Research

South Tyrol's diverse vineyard landscape unfolds on alluvial soil and debris cones near the valley floor on one side, and on impressive slopes and terraces up to an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level on the other: each variety has its favorite location.

Good soil for great wines

Terroir is more than the sum of its parts. It is the added value of climate, landscape, geology, and history that shapes the character of the wines.

A complex climate

The topography, which favors southern currents, a growing region that ranges from 200 to 1,000 meters above sea level, and a microclimate that often varies greatly from location to location—these and other factors characterize the climate of South Tyrol's wine-growing regions.