Trentino Alto-Adige

Question 1

What are the two nearly autonomous provinces of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, and what languages are spoken there?

Answer 1

Trentino in the south (Italian-speaking) and Alto-Adige or Südtirol in the north (German-speaking)

Question 2

What DOC encapsulates both Trentino-Alto Adige and Verona in Veneto?

Answer 2

Valdadige DOC

Question 3

Under which separate DOCs are most wines in Trentino-Alto Adige released?

Answer 3

Trentino DOC and Alto-Adige (Südtiroler) DOC

Question 4

Name some of the varietal wines permitted under Trentino DOC

Answer 4

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Müller-Thurgau, and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 5

Which grape is heavily utilized in Alto Adige DOC, and what is its link to the region?

Answer 5

Gewürztraminer, linked to the local village of Tramin

Question 6

What subzone in the northeastern reaches of Alto Adige is gaining recognition for high-quality wines?

Answer 6

Valle Isarco (Eisacktaler in German)

Question 7

Which German and Austrian varieties are frequently produced in the Valle Isarco subzone?

Answer 7

Silvaner, Veltliner, and Kerner

Question 8

Where does Pinot Bianco find its best expression in Trentino-Alto Adige?

Answer 8

In the Oltradige, just south of Bolzano, near the town of Appiano

Question 9

What is significant about the DOC subzone of Terlano in Alto Adige?

Answer 9

It has a long history of white wines blended from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc, and is home to one of Italy’s most respected cooperatives

Question 10

What type of wine is Trentino-Alto Adige primarily known for, and what does the region actually supply more of?

Answer 10

The region is known for its white wines but supplies a larger quantity of reds

Question 11

What is the predominant red grape in both provinces of Trentino-Alto Adige, and what does it produce?

Answer 11

Schiava (Vernatsch), producing light red wines

Question 12

Which subzone is the premier geographical appellation for Schiava varietal wines?

Answer 12

Santa Maddelena (St. Magdalener) in Alto Adige

Question 13

What does the Casteller DOC in Trentino allow Schiava to be blended with?

Answer 13

Merlot and Lambrusco

Question 14

Which DOC is shared by both Trentino and Alto Adige and is similar in style to Santa Maddelena?

Answer 14

Lago di Caldaro DOC (Kalterersee)

Question 15

Which grape is native to Trentino but thrives in Alto Adige, producing a denser, spicier wine than Schiava?

Answer 15

Lagrein

Question 16

Where is the finest growing area for Lagrein located, and how are the wines often labeled?

Answer 16

In Gries, just outside of Bolzano, often labeled under the general DOC with an indication of the area

Question 17

What is the primary agricultural focus of the valley in Trentino-Alto Adige?

Answer 17

Apple growing, with 10% of Europe’s apple production occurring here

Question 18

Which red grape is becoming increasingly important in Trentino-Alto Adige, and where are the best examples found?

Answer 18

Pinot Nero, with the best examples coming from the eastern side of the Bassa Atesina, Alto Adige’s southernmost growing zone

Question 19

Which red grape in Trentino’s Teroldego Rotaliano DOC can produce deeply colored wines?

Answer 19

Teroldego

Question 20

What is the ancient Marzemino grape, and what is its relationship to Teroldego and Lagrein?

Answer 20

Marzemino is a genetic progeny of Teroldego and a sibling of Lagrein, and it is one of the major Trentino DOC red varieties

Question 21

Which international red grape varieties are increasing in importance in Trentino-Alto Adige?

Answer 21

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Nero

Question 22

Does Trentino-Alto Adige contain any DOCG zones?

Answer 22

No

Question 23

What percentage of Trentino-Alto Adige’s production was of DOC quality as of 2020?

Answer 23

99%, placing it foremost among Italy’s twenty regions in relative percentage of DOC production

Question 24

What dominates over three-quarters of Trentino-Alto Adige’s wine production?

Answer 24

Co-ops

Question 25

What challenge does Trentino-Alto Adige face despite its high percentage of DOC production?

Answer 25

The region struggles to overcome a reputation of median quality