Alto Adige’s terroir: the origin of great wines

The perfect ensemble: climate, location, soils and people

To discover the character of a wine, we must first ask what makes up the character of a particular territory. Winegrowers refer to the terroir, a complex blend of the geographical, geological and climatic aspects; even cultural and social factors may play a part, as every variation counts. The climate, location, soils and people are the basis of Alto Adige’s terroir, with the potential for creating remarkable wines here, where Alpine and Mediterranean flora and culture intersect.

The formation process of the Alps has created a mosaic of very different soil types, shaping Alto Adige’s landscape in such a varied manner that microclimates can change within just a few kilometres.

Added to this is the work of the winegrowers and wineries who work with a spirit of innovation to ensure the quality of their wines, but always with a focus on tradition and sustainability.

“The most famous wines in the world come from vineyards in which soil, microclimate and choice of variety enjoy a special interaction. This is no different in Alto Adige, and the introduction of the single-vineyard concept has been long overdue. Future generations will be grateful for that!”

Martin Foradori Vice President, Consorzio Alto Adige 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. Green grapevines in South Tyrol, surrounded by rolling hills.

The mystery of geology and soils

Depending on their location, the roots of the local vines come into contact with very different soils—a fact that winegrowers consciously exploit to cultivate more than 20 grape varieties exactly where they thrive best.