wine and environment
Tour of Italy: Trentino-Alto Adige
The third stop on our Tour of Italy is Trentino-Alto Adige. This region is particularly rich in mountains and lakes, which inevitably influences the local crops. Because of this, Trentino-Alto Adige produces a number of important wines. Among the most important wine varieties is the Gewürztraminer, unmistakable for its intense and fruity aroma.
Discovering Trentino-Alto Adige wines
– Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano Hofstatter 2002: this 100% Pinot Noir immediately releases a black cherry, cinnamon, and black pepper smell, mixed with chocolate and vanilla. Balanced and poised tannins are quite present on the palate. The perfect pairing is with risotto, pasta, or red meat.
– J. Hofstatter Gewurztraminer Kolbenhoff 2013: an excellency wine, it is best served at a temperature that does not surpass 10 degrees Celsius. Awarded prizes by Gambero Rosso and Duemila Vini, the perfume of this Gewurztraminer is characterized by notes of ripe yellow fruit and acacia honey. To the palate, the taste of orange zest is immediately distinguishable. It bodes perfectly with first and second courses of white meat or fish. It is also perfect when combined with aged cheese.
– Villa Gresti di San Leonardo 2000: the ruby red color and the unison of black cherry, prunes, and liquorish are only some of the main characteristics of this Merlot. One does not need to be an expert sommelier to notice the hints of vanilla, wood, and eucalyptus, that end with a taste of cranberries and black cherry. The personality of this wine makes it the perfect choice to enjoy alongside roasts, stews, and cheese.
– Sauvignon St. Michael Eppan 2007: a 100% Sauvignon composed by a high minerality and an aftertaste that cannot hide its bitterness to the most trained palates. Its fragrance is characterized by a great pairing: yellow fruit and honey. Its taste is based on orange zest.
Afterall, a famous saying from the Trentino-Alto Adige region recites: “Pane, vin e zoca, e lasa che el fioca” (“Bread, wine, and a warm chimney—it hardly matters if it snows outside”).