Trentino Alto Adige

Question 1

How is Trentino-Alto Adige divided?

Answer 1

German-speaking Alto-Adige or Südtirol in the north

Italian-speaking Trentino in the south

*nearly autonomous provinces

Question 2

What are the capitals of Trentino-Alto Adige?

Answer 2

Bolzano (Bozen) in the north

Trento in the south

Question 3

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

Style?

Answer 3

Valdadige DOC

Bianco based on Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Italico, Muller Thurgau, and Chardonnay

Rosso based on min 50% Enantio and/or Schiava

Frizzante wines may be produced from Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay

**most wines are released under the separate Trentino and Alto-Adige (Südtiroler “SUD-ti-roller”) DOC

Question 4

What subzone in northeastern Alto Adige is quickly gaining rocognition for high-quality wines?

Answer 4

Valle Isarco (Eisacktaler in German)

Question 4

What are the 6 subzones of Alto Adige?

Answer 4

Colli di Bolzano (Bozner Leiten)

Meranese / Meranese di Collina (Meraner / Meraner Hügel)

Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalener) and Santa Maddalena Classico- known for Schiava varietal wines.

Terlano (Terlaner) and Terlano Classico- long history of white wines blended from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Sauv Blanc, both oaked and unoaked. Also home to respected coop Cantina Terlan.

Valle Isarco (Eisacktaler)NE of Bolzano-high quality german and austrian varieitals

Valle Venosta (Vinschgau) NW of Bolzano

**Venosta and Isarco located on higher vineyards, often steep and terraced.

Question 5

What is the Kerner crossing?

Answer 5

Schiava Grossa x Riesling

Question 6

What soils make up the wines of Alto-Adige?

Answer 6

Range from calcareous and limestone near the Dolomites to volcanic porphyry and moraines, the remains of glaciers that retreated from the region some 5-6 millions years ago.

**home to 20 grape varieties with soil largely determining the variety planted.

Question 8

What does Trentino-Alto Adige produce more, reds or whites?

Answer 8

Although know more for white they actually produce more red.

Question 8

Where would you find the best expression of Pinot Bianco in Italy?

Answer 8

Oltradige just south of Bolzano in the town of Appiano

Question 9

What are the varietals found in Casteller DOC?

Answer 9

Merlot (min 50%) blended with (max 50% combined or seperate, Schiava and Lambrusco, Lagrein, Teroldego

Question 10

Where is the finest growing region for Lagrein?

Answer 10

Gries, just outside of Bolzano. The wines here are released under the general DOC but often with an indication of the area on the label

Question 11

Name 4 of the most important native red varietals of Trentino Alto Adige?

Answer 11

—Schiava (workhorse grape, pale, soft, and simple)
—Lagrein (more serious, distinctively berry fruited, spicy, and slightly rustic; includes fruity rosé Lagrein-Kretzer and darker Lagrein-Dunkel)
—Teroldego (deeply colored, hallmark bracing acidity and a hint of bitterness)
—Marzemino (genetic progeny of Teroldego and sibling of Lagrein)

Question 12

What is a common name for Schiava?

Answer 12

Vernatsch “Ver-notch”

Question 13

What is the connecting entity between Italy and Austria?

Answer 13

The Brenner Pass

Question 14

What are the four distinct varieties of Schiava?

Answer 14

Schiava Gentile (small berried making soft, fruity wines)
Schiava Grigia (blueish-berried member)
Schiava Grossa (most common)
Schiava Lombarda (Lombardia’s Schiava produces soft, fruity red)

***DNA analysis has shown that these varieties are genetically dissimilar; seems more likely that the name Schiava refers to a common training practice (pergola) that deprives the vine of its natural vigor, making it a ‘slave’ (Italian shiavo), rather than a supposed common origin from the historical region of Slavonia (now part of eastern Croatia).

Question 15

Style found in Casteller DOC?

Answer 15

Appellation in Trentino based on min 50% Merlot and max 50% Schiava, Enantio), Lagrein, and Teroldego.

Question 16

What is Lambrusco a Foglia Frastagliata?

Answer 16

Better known now as Enantio

Question 17

Where is the best area for Lagrein?

Answer 17

Gries, just outside of Bolzano

—grape is native to Trentino, but thrives in Alto Adige.

Question 18

What crop is Trentino-Alto Adige most dedicated to?

Answer 18

Apples

10% of Europe’s entire production of apples occurs here.

Question 19

What grape is used for Trentino’s Vin Santo?

Answer 19

Indigenous Nosiola.

Question 20

What is Trentodoc or Trento DOC?

How does the style differ from Franciacorta?

Answer 20

Metodo Classico Sparkling wine only appellation Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco and/or Pinot Nero and/or Pinot Meunier

The alpine climate of the Trentino is consistently cooler in the summer months than that of the temperate Mediterranean Franciacorta, with night/day temperature excursions which make for slower ripening and the accumulation of varietal aromas. The Trentino typically starts two to three weeks later. Trentino chardonnay maintains acidity with lower sugar but more complete phenolic ripeness, while in Franciacorta producers may face the risk in hot vintages of having to pick less ripe grape in order to keep acidity, but have base wines with more substance and concentration. A top Trento Brut will have citrus and white fruit aromas with hints of white blossom and will be crisp and linear on the palate with great intensity and length. A Franciacorta of the same style and vintage will have more ripe yellow fruit and nuts on the nose and a more evolved crusty autolytic character and will be broader and more structured on the palate, with possibly a touch of herby spiciness in the finish.

Question 21

What are the aging requirements for Trento DOC?

Additional Requirements:

Answer 21

15 months for non-vintage
24 months for vintage
36 months for riserva

• Rosato wines may alternatively carry the term Rosé
• Non-vintage wines must carry the date of disgorgement