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Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
A Miscellany Of New Italian Wine Releases
The vineyards of San Lorenzo in Italy's Dolomite Mountains. With summer on the wing, one yearns for outdoor dining and perhaps a bit more adventurous spirit when it comes to drinking wines. Here are several Italian wines I like very much and give good bang for the buck. Its Germanic name is due to Kaltern's vineyards on the border of Austria. KALTERN KALTERERSEE CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2024 ($14). True, it doesn't sound very Italian but this splendid red wine is made in Alto-Adige in the north, from vineyards around Lake Kaltern from Alpine Schiava grapes (called Tollinger in Austria). The vintage weather was perfect and allowed for early ripening. With just 12.5% alcohol., it is recommended as an apéritif with light foods, but I found it delicious with grilled chicken and vegetable-based pastas. FAMIGLIA COTARELLA FERENANO BIANCO LAZIO 2119 ($25). Named after the ancient Etruscan town of Ferento in Lazio, this 100% Roscetto (similar to Trebbiano and Greco) uses grapes from planting averaging 17 years of age. Vinified in stainless steel and oak tanks after an eight-hour cryomaceration, it then spends four months in French oak and six months aging. It emerges at an alcohol level of 12.7%, making it an easy to drink wine with lots of tropical fruit notes, very good with dishes like salmon, branzino and Gorgonzola cheese. Bolla is one of the oldest Veneto wineries making a classic Amarone. BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2018 ($56). This was the first Amarone I ever had, way back in the 1970s, and I was impressed with its big, leathery, slightly sweet flavor that is a classic profile of this Veneto wine. Since then Amarones have become lighter and less distinctive, but Bolla's blend of Corvina and Rondinella still maintains the boldness of the wine, making it excellent with red meat on the grill and in autumn with venison. VIGNE SURRAU SCIALA VERMENTINO DI GALLURA SUPERIORE 2022 ($29). 'Sciala' comes from an Arabic word for an abundant harvest, and this is a prime example of Sardinian Vermentino , made by Mariolino Siddi, planted in sandy, granite-rich soil that provides minerality. Aged for six months, it is released with 14% alcohol. The Demuro family produces about 90,000 bottles. Ideal with linguine with clam sauce. OLIANAS VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2023 ($20). Here's another fine Sardinian Vermentino, this from the southern region of Sarcidano. The Olianas estates' 35 hectares of vineyards are planted exclusively with native Sardinian grape varieties such as Cannonau, Vermentino, Tintillu, Nasco, Bovale and Carignano. This Vermentino comes from the Murvonis vineyard with a clay loam texture and the Porruddu vineyard, with a dark brown loam texture soil and sandy marl. About 20% of the grapes are harvested slightly in advance and allowed to ferment with maceration on the skins. The result is a complex example of this all-too-often bland varietal. This is a Tuscan IGT wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc. TENUTA CASADEI FILARE 18 2022 ($65). An IGT venture by Tuscan Stefano Casadei and Californian Fred Cline, both dedicated to organic crops. The wine is from the estate in Suvereto, made from 100% Cabernet Franc planted in 1999 and grown on medium texture soil. Spontaneous fermentation and maceration take place within tburied amphorae, and the wine is then aged in new French oak barriques for 18 to 20 months. The producers say this has a potential to age for twenty years but I found is very good now in its youth especially as an accompaniment to pork. 'VETTE' DI SAN LEONARDO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 ($25). Sauvignon Blanc is not rare in Italy though vintners have only recently been making examples that show off Italian rather than New World terroir, in this case from the Dolomites. The estate, since 2012 run by Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, is known for its Bordeaux-like blends but the Sauvignon Blanc 'Vette' ('peaks') comes from a high elevation site to the north of the winery, vinified in stainless steel and aged on fine lees for five months. It has just enough vegetal flavor, kept in balance with its acids and floral components. Livio Felluga has long been one of the premier white winemakers of northern Italy. LIVIO FELLUGA FRIULANO SIGAR ($63). Long among the finest producers of Italy, Livio Felluga named this wine after his enjoyment of a cigar while inspecting his Rosazzo estate in the evening. Today, the 500-acre winery is led by Livio's son, Andrea. Vines were planted in 1963. The grapes are hand-picked and undergo maceration on the skins for a few hours, then racked into terracotta jars towards the end of alcoholic fermentation, to permit proper temperature control. There is a fine citrus and aroma of herbs, making it wonderful with all seafood.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Wine-Tasting In Alto Adige: A Unique And Still Authentic Corner Of Italy
Farm worker hand-picking organic "Lagrein" grapes, a red wine variety native to South Tyrol, Italy Alto Adige is among Italy's smallest wine-growing regions and is far less known and less touristed than the wine regions of Tuscany, Veneto, or Piedmont. However, the area is becoming increasingly popular among visitors seeking a more relaxed and less crowded setting to discover exceptional wines. Alto Adige, also known as Sudtirol (literally South Tyrol), is in the northern part of Italy that borders Switzerland and Austria. Evidence suggests that wines have been cultivated here for over 2,500 years, making them an integral part of the people and place. Until 1918, this southern area of Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thus, the region's wines, foods and traditions reflect not only Italian influences but also those of its Swiss and Austrian neighbors. Both Italian and German are the official languages, and some 65% of the population is German-speaking. Lake Caldaro, Alto Adige, location of the South Tyrolean Wine Museum The region boasts 4,800 predominantly independent winegrowers whose vineyards collectively cover more than 14,456 acres. Typically family-owned and operated, most wineries are small and collaborate through cooperatives for wine production and marketing. A smaller segment consists of private estate wineries that utilize their own grapes or source them from elsewhere. The diversity of the climate and soils is ideal for growing more than 20 grape varieties, contributing to the wide range of top-quality Alto Adige wines available. Located at the foot of the Alps, the region is blessed with warm Mediterranean air currents while shielded from the wind by the Dolomite Mountains. Many vineyards are cultivated on steep slopes at altitudes ranging from 660 to 3,300 feet, requiring manual labor to tend the vines and hand-pick the grapes. The soil of this relatively small area is rich with about 150 different types of rock that vary from parcel to parcel, adding to the complexity of the wines. Hot summers, mild winters, and the diurnal variation of hot days and cool nights allow for slow grape ripening. Enjoying a white sparkling Alto Adige wine with pasta The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, established in 2007, is the official group responsible for promoting and ensuring the quality of these regional wines. The Consorzio jump-started an effort begun by winemakers in the 1980s to shift the focus from mass production to improved quality and sustainable viticulture methods. Remarkably, 98 percent of the wines are now produced under the Alto Adige DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation. It has also been a driving force behind an ambitious UGA Zoning Project —an initiative that elevates 86 meticulously defined vineyard areas (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive), to ensure each varietal genuinely represents its terroir. Historically known for its native red grape production (such as Schiava and Lagrein), Alto Adige has also become a leader in producing elegant white wines in recent decades. In terms of whites, the region is best known for its Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco but also produces excellent Pinot Nero, one of its signature reds. Due to its multicultural heritage, Alto Adige wines are typically labeled in both Italian and German. For example, Pino Bianco is also called Weissburgunder and Pinot Grigio is called Ruländer or Grauburgunder. Bicycling through a vineyard in Alto Adige, Italy The Dolomite Mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage site) passes through Alto Adige, making the area a must-visit for hikers and skiers. But it is also a mecca for wine tourists. The Alto Adige Wine Road, one of Italy's oldest wine roads, spans 90 miles. It allows tourists to visit 15 wine villages and 80 member wineries surrounded by breathtaking mountains, scenic valleys and pristine lakes. Along the route, wine enthusiasts can stop for guided cellar tours and tastings of local wines. Each village and winery offers authentic opportunities to mingle with locals and learn about the traditions of the people living and working there. In addition to Italian and German, many locals also speak English. Several examples of wineries on the route: Wellness at Five-Star Adler Lodge, in Soprabolzano, a mountain village on a scenic high plateau over Bolzano Bolzano, the capital of Alto Adige, offers an excellent base for tourists. It has interesting wine bars, wine shops, and numerous nearby wineries. With its charming Old Town, the city offers guests a range of eateries and hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury. In addition, one-of-a-kind local guest houses, hotels, and agriturismi (working farms) offer relaxed overnight accommodations throughout the region. Visits can be timed to coincide with local festivals, such as Vino in Festa in late spring, and other seasonal events. Although Alto Adige is considered a four-season destination, many wine enthusiasts prefer to visit in September or October to witness the grape harvest (wimmen) and the vibrant fall foliage. The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines recently unveiled its newest wine tourism project, the Wine & Bike Alto Adige Collection. This initiative aims to showcase the region's natural beauty as cyclists discover its wines. In partnership with Komoot, an Italian app, visitors can choose from eight different Alto Adige-themed self-guided tours. Wine-tasting in Alto Adige is an immersive experience that couples excellent wines with distinctive fusion cuisine in an unspoiled natural setting.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alto Adige Wines Earn Outstanding Recognition in Global Wine Guides with 145 Top Scores
Diversity and excellence define Alto Adige's latest ratings success BOLZANO, Italy, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest editions of some of the world's most renowned wine guides, including Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling, Decanter, Falstaff Weinguide, Gault&Millau, and VINUM Weinguide, have reinforced Alto Adige's reputation as a premier Italian wine region, awarding an impressive 145 top ratings (95 points or higher on a 100-point scale), a significant rise from 99 last year. "We are naturally delighted with this increase," said Andreas Kofler, President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines. "But what pleases us even more is the fact that the top is becoming ever broader—more and more Alto Adige producers are successfully winning top scores." The number of top-rated wineries has grown significantly, with 38 producers achieving the highest accolades compared to 29 last year. Additionally, 105 different wines received top scores—an increase of over 50% from last year's 68. The recognition highlights Alto Adige's extraordinary diversity, with 15 different grape varieties among the top-rated wines. "Despite being a relatively small region, Alto Adige's remarkable diversity is evident in both its producers and its wines," Kofler added. "It is this diversity that impresses wine experts all over the world." While Alto Adige produces more white than red wines, Pinot Noir led the rankings with 20 top-rated wines, followed by Chardonnay (18) and Sauvignon Blanc (13). In total, 80 top marks were awarded to 58 different white wines, while 42 red wines received 55 top ratings. Additionally, sweet wines were recognized with ten top ratings across five wines. Among the most celebrated wineries, Cantina Terlano led with 19 top scores, followed by Cantina Tramin (11), St. Michael-Eppan Winery (10), Alois Lageder Winery (9), Cantina Girlan (8), and Manincor, Elena Walch, and Nals Margreid, each with seven top ratings. This achievement underscores the significant role of Alto Adige's cooperative wineries, including Cantina Terlano, Cantina Tramin, St. Michael-Eppan Winery, Cantina Girlan and Nals Margreid. Unlike traditional cooperatives focused on volume, Alto Adige's cooperatives, which account for 70% of the region's total production, prioritize meticulous vineyard management and small-lot winemaking, ensuring that each wine reflects the region's unique terroir. Their success is a testament to the strength of collective expertise, rigorous quality standards, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Among top ratings, Cantina Terlano's 2021 Terlano Primo Grande Cuvée Alto Adige DOC received a perfect 100 points from the prestigious European guide Falstaff and was named "Best White Wine." Meanwhile, Decanter awarded its prestigious "Best in Show" title to the 2022 Gewürztraminer Passito Juvelo Alto Adige DOC from Cantina Andriano. This growing recognition in leading wine publications solidifies Alto Adige's unique position in the global wine industry, showcasing both its winemaking excellence and its remarkable varietal diversity. About The Consorzio Alto Adige WinesThe Consorzio Alto Adige Wines was formed in 2007 to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. One of Italy's smallest wine-producing regions, Alto Adige is also one of its most multifaceted. Twenty grape varieties are cultivated on vineyards stretching from Mediterranean-influenced valleys to Alpine hillsides, tended by individual growers, small family-wineries, and cooperatives alike. For media enquiries:press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consorzio Alto Adige Wines Sign in to access your portfolio
