Latest news with #SouthTyrol
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.
New York Times
27-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Richard Carapaz on verge of Giro d'Italia lead after nightmare day for UAE
Richard Carapaz is on the verge of snatching Isaac del Toro's pink jersey after decimating his general classification (GC) rivals on Tuesday's stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia. The Ecuadorian, riding for the American EF-Education first team, launched a destructive attack with 6km left of the climb to San Valentino, powering away from Del Toro and Simon Yates as if launching a last-gasp sprint. Advertisement He is now third on GC, 31 seconds behind 21-year-old leader Del Toro, with British rider Simon Yates second at 26 seconds. At the head of the 203km stage in South Tyrol, Italian rider Christian Scaroni led an Astana one-two from the breakaway, ending a record 17-stage gap between Italian winners at the race. The result was a major boost for Astana's bid to avoid relegation from the World Tour. Del Toro, meanwhile, cracked with 4km remaining, eventually finishing 1.36 behind Carapaz on the stage. Yates, who accelerated away from the Mexican at the same moment, was 42 seconds back. It completed a nightmare day for UAE Team Emirates, after nominal team leader Juan Ayuso was dropped on the ascent of Santa Barbara, the penultimate climb of the day. The Spaniard now sits outside the top 10 after losing almost 15 minutes. 🚂 🇪🇨 He warned us yesterday… #GirodItalia — Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 27, 2025 Carapaz, 31, is a past winner of the Giro d'Italia, having won the Maglia Rosa in 2019. Despite his ability in the high mountains, where he is ranked amongst the best pure climbers in the world, questions over his inconsistent form between Grand Tours, as well as his limited time-trialling ability, means he was not considered one of the absolute favourites entering the race. But with no time-trialling kilometres remaining, and 22,000m of climbing scheduled for the final week, Carapaz is now arguably the race favourite. He soloed to victory in last week's stage 11, in another display of form and strength. Earlier in the day, Primoz Roglic abandoned the race after crashing for the third time in the past week. The Slovenian slid out at a roundabout but looked to have avoided serious injury. INEOS Grenadiers' time-triallist Josh Tarling also withdrew, while there was a scary crash for Alessio Martinelli who fell and slid around 10 metres into a ravine. After being taken out on a stretcher, his VF Group-Bardiani team say the 24-year-old is conscious and has been taken to hospital. Stage 17 will see the riders tackle the brutal Mortirolo climb — which was denounced by Lance Armstrong in 2004 as the most challenging ascent he had ever ridden — before finishing on a plateau. (Luca Bettini/AFP via Getty Images)
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci explores the Italian region offering €100,000 to new residents that is dubbed the wealthiest region in the country
Earlier this year, it was revealed Trentino is offering up to €100,000 to those who choose to relocate to the Italian region where the Dolomites meet the Alps. The grant came as part of an effort to repopulate and renovate more than 30 towns in Italy on the brink of extinction. Some such towns are home to more abandoned than inhabited properties. In an effort to incentivise the purchase of abandoned or run-down houses, Trentino allocated more than €10million over the next two years towards the project. And now, in an upcoming National Geographic series, Tucci in Italy, Stanley Tucci explores the country's northernmost region, South Tyrol – made up of Trentino and Alto-Adige. As the wealthiest region in Italy per capita, South Tyrol 'boasts one of the most efficient rail services in the entire country', and Stanley makes his way around the region by train for that reason. While looking out of the window, he says: 'It's so nice travelling by train. 'There's just vineyard after vineyard, and very good wine, I might add.' The number of immigrants to Italy has tripled over the last two decades, and Stanley says South Tyrol's 'position means there's a constant flow of new arrivals, bringing their culture and cuisine'. The number of immigrants to Italy has tripled over the last two decades, and Stanley says South Tyrol's 'position means there's a constant flow of new arrivals, bringing their culture and cuisine'. Above, he fly fishes in a glacial river with locals On his trip, he samples a wide array of foods, including an unexpectedly delicious hay soup and pine needle pesto. He's also served gnocchi and dumplings by Michelin-starred chef Egon Heiss at Castel Fragsburg in Merano. 'The spa-filled leisure capital of the region', Merano is described by Stanley as where 'Austrian and Italian cultures collide'. He adds: 'The alpine peaks can be comfortably admired from the warm and sunny terraces, and this makes Merano an oasis from which to enjoy the region's complex fare.' Meanwhile, in the capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano – which has 'long been a stopping point for outsiders crossing over the Dolomites' – Stanley finds a local food market, where he tries out a wurst. Sitting down to eat it, he says: 'It's so good with that perfect mustard. It's not spicy but has all the peppery flavour of the smoked wurst. 'I love that you can get all the amazing Italian produce, as well as Austrian bread and sausage. It's amazing. A great mix of two different kitchens.' Those thinking of relocating to Trentino could be offered a grant consisting of around €80,000 towards renovation and a further €20,000 to help with the purchase of the property. On his trip, Stanley samples a wide array of foods, including an unexpectedly delicious hay soup (right) and pine needle pesto Anyone who chooses to sign up for a grant must commit to living in Trentino for a decade or, failing that, agree to rent the property out for the same amount of time. Those who receive a grant and fail to adhere to such rules could be forced to return their funding. President of Trento, the capital of Trentino, said: 'The goal is to revitalise local communities and promote territorial cohesion.' Tucci in Italy is airing weekly on National Geographic from 21st May at 8pm, with all episodes available to stream from 19th May on Disney+.
