Latest news with #Lagrein
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alto Adige Wines, Vintage 2024: Exceptional in Vineyard and Cellar
Lighter, elegant and modern wines emerge after a challenging growing season in Alto Adige BOLZANO, Italy, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the release on the US market of the 2024 vintage of many Alto Adige wines, the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has recently gathered some interesting data about the vintage and its unique characteristics. The overall 2024 vintage in Alto Adige presented considerable challenges for winegrowers, resulting in reduced yields in several areas. Yet, despite these difficulties, expectations for this vintage remain exceptionally high. The wines promise to be lighter, elegant, and distinctly modern, showcasing the region's longstanding commitment to quality. A Year Marked by Weather ExtremesWeather data confirm that 2024 was one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory. An unusually mild winter gave way to an early bud break around March 20, but this was soon followed by a sharp frost a month later, causing widespread damage across vineyards. The spring continued to test growers with cool, cloudy conditions that limited photosynthesis, leading to fewer grape clusters and smaller berry size. "The lowest yields were recorded for Lagrein, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Grigio, while Schiava, Merlot, and Riesling were more resilient during flowering," noted Hansjörg Hafner of Alto Adige's Advisory Council for Fruit and Winegrowing. In Valle Isarco, Andreas Huber of Pacher Hof in Novacella near Bressanone, reported yield losses ranging from 15 to 70 percent, while Martin Lemayr, cellar master at Cantina Colterenzio, shared that some plots experienced total crop losses. Challenging Year, Delayed HarvestThe meteorological challenges of 2024 meant that the harvest in Alto Adige took place later than usual, with frequent interruptions due to rain. "The delay gave us a bit of breathing room," said Huber with a smile. "It was a demanding year that required patience, flexibility, and constant vigilance in the vineyards." In hail-affected areas, grapes were carefully sorted by hand to ensure only the best fruit made it to the cellar. Frost and humidity added to the year's challenges. Veronika Pfeifer of Pfannenstielhof in Bolzano confirmed the difficulties growers faced: "This vintage required not only precise and careful manual labor in the vineyard, but also flexibility and timely decision-making." Pinot Varieties ShineThanks to careful canopy management and rigorous sorting, grape quality remained high despite the volume losses. Pinot varieties—particularly Pinot Nero—stood out, reaching ideal ripeness and health. Martin Lemayr's assessment of the Pinot Nero from the 2024 vintage was therefore correspondingly positive:"It is characterised by fresh fruit aromas such as raspberry and sour cherry and has a very clear, bright and luminous colour. The wines are lower in residual sugar and show great freshness, elegance, and a fine tannin structure." On the other hand, late-ripening, tannin-rich reds faced the greatest challenges. Achieving full maturity required impeccable timing and exceptional care during harvest. "Some 2024 special Reserves were not produced this year, as only a few vineyards reached full ripeness," Lemayr added. Focus on Native GrapesAmong Alto Adige's native reds, Schiava wines performed relatively well, showing slightly lower alcohol levels than in previous years. Veronika Pfeifer summarized the vintage's profile as "fresh, fruity, and fine." The region's second most important native red variety, Lagrein, was more affected by adverse weather conditions—particularly frost and poor flowering—which led to somewhat reduced yields. Still, Pfeifer described the wines as "harmonious, smooth, and velvety." White Wines Benefit from Cool Conditions: Fresh Fruit and Finesse In contrast to reds, Alto Adige's whites appear to have benefited from the season's cooler conditions. "Cool September weather enhanced flavor development, resulting in freshness, fruit and finesse," said Andreas Huber. Noble rot and damp weather contributed to exceptional quality, especially for Riesling, Kerner, and Sylvaner from Valle Isarco. "We are very confident about the 2024 vintage", Huber added, "Low yields and extended ripening laid the foundation for wines with exceptional finesse and aging potential." Lemayr echoed this optimism: "Whites like Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc reveal fine, fresh fruit and an elegant, delicate structure. Aromatic varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc show precise, cool, slightly greenish aromas and a well-integrated, balanced acidity. Lower alcohol levels make these wines even more approachable and enjoyable." 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@ T +39 0471 978 528 / 339 1895544 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consorzio Alto Adige Wines Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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.
