German wines in Italy?! Try the wines of the Alto Adige.

When people imagine Italian wine and wine regions they think of Tuscany. When they think of the classic grapes of Italian wine they name Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Moscato, Pinot Grigio. But, there is also Gewurtztraminer and Riesling. What? Those are German wines. True, but the Italian Alps of the Trento-Alto Adige hosts a more Germanic life style. Trentino is the more Italian in its approach to life and wine. The Alto Adige hosts signs in German and Italian and German speaking residents.

In keeping with the unique make-up of the province the grapes are also distinct. You will find German and Austrian grapes as the dominant grape in D.O.C. wines. The wines of Bolzano are allowed to bear the German QbA distinction as an alternative to the Italian quality label.

The grapes in the Sud Tyrol (Southern Tyrol) must be strong to survive the mountains. You will also find unusual varietals, ancient winemaking skills, and tasty cuvees. Aside from the standard German varietals you will find Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Moscato, and Pinot Grigio used to produce white wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot are used to produce reds.

The Gewurtztraminer of the Sud Tyrol is unique. Bolzano calls it Traminer Aromatico. The grapes are not allowed to ripen as much as in the Alsace, and so is a lighter wine. You will find a delicate wine with subtle flavors. It is a golden-yellow color, dry, with a lightly bitterish and pleasantly aromatic flavor. This wine is rightly celebrated in it's ancestral home of Tramin. An excellent choice is the Kellerei-Cantina Tramin. It is a co-operative located on the Adige river:

Founded in 1898 by a small group of people (including a parish priest, Christian Schrott, at the time a member of parliament in Vienna) today it has 280 members who produce wine in the towns of Termeno, Egna, Montagna, and Ora: some 220 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of vines.