This region holds a particular place in my heart. Linda and I visited some of the top producers of the region this summer and hiked the magnificent mountains. This Tyrolean region is beyond picturesque and vies with Stellenbosch as the most beautiful wine region in the world.
Alois Lageder, Alto Adige, Haberle, Pinot Bianco 2008 The fruit is quite expressive in the nose with a character like lychee, in the tropical realm. In the mouth the fruit expands and is framed by generous acidity, making for a refreshing start to the tasting. 13% $20 suggested US retail Alois Lageder
Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige, Vorberg, Pinot Bianco 2006 The nose is marked by great complexity, combining minerality and an evolution to the original fruit. In the mouth the wine is soft and viscous, quite rich and a great contrast to the Alois Lageder, demonstrating the diverse interpretations available to this grape. Terlano is known for its ageworthy whites and this Pinot Bianco demonstrates that again. Estate Bottled in Terlano 13% $27.99 suggested US retail Terlano
Cantina Tramin, Alto Adige, Nussbaumer, Gewurztraminer 2008 The nose is incredibly aromatic, putting together a sense of roses dusted with baby powder. In the mouth the perfume carries through, with lowish acidity and a thick texture with a touch of Gewurz’s characteristic bitterness. Cantina Tramin
Manincor, Alto Adige, Mason, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose smells of caramel with a bit of brown spice and earthiness. The mouth features tart cherries with a bit of richness, light body and great length. 12.5% $60 suggested retail in the US. Manicor
Cantina Bolzano, Alto Adige, Perl, Lagrein 2008 The nose shows the fruitiness of whole berries, very lively and fresh. In the mouth the fruit carries on, a sweet expression of amped up candy-like fruitness, light-bodied and ready to quaff on your next picnic. 13.5% $24 suggested US retail. Kellerei Bozen
Colterenzio, Alto Adige, Cornell, Sigis Mundus 2007 While the nose is rather closed at this moment in the tasting, the palate is fully engaged. This is a dense Lagrein, built to last, structured yet accompanied by New World fruitiness and polished edges, ripe tannins- very nice. No, that’s not enough. I should say delicious! 13.65% $63.99 suggested US retail Produttori Colterenzio
I recently experienced a wine epiphany brought about by Alto Adige producer Cantina Tramin. Although I wasn’t in the Adige area the intensly floral nose, beautiful fruit flavors and delicately balanced acids of the 2008 Nussbaumer Gewurztraminer transported me to the wines place of origin. It’s a magical wine. Unfortunately the Tyrolean’s only export eye dropper quantities of their best wines. The Nussbaumer is hard to find and expensive $ 40, but it’s worth seeking out.
Hi AJ,
I’m in France at the moment but your comment transported me to Italy as well. We stayed in Tramin (Termeno) during our visit last summer and it is in a beautiful spot just below the mountains. I wish that Gewurz got more respect as the wines it produces can be magnificent. Cheers! RJ