Which Wines Are Typical of Alto Adige?

Nestled beneath the majestic Dolomites, Trentino–Alto Adige is a region of extraordinary beauty and a long-standing winemaking tradition. Shaped by a distinctive Alpine climate and a remarkable diversity of terroirs, it gives rise to wines of stylistic elegance, freshness and depth. In this guide, we explore the most representative wines of Alto Adige, with a particular focus on Kettmeir, one of the historic wineries of this land.

A Journey Through Alto Adige’s Indigenous Varieties

Alto Adige boasts an ampelographic heritage of great interest, with indigenous grapes that interpret the territory with clarity and character. But which native varieties best tell the story of Alto Adige?

Among the red grapes, Lagrein stands out: a variety that produces intense wines of deep ruby colour, with aromas of wild berries, violet and subtle spice. It is a structured wine, capable of evolving gracefully over time and a natural partner for dishes with bold flavours.

Another undisputed protagonist is Schiava, a more delicate red variety that gives wines that are fresh, light and fruit-driven—ideal enjoyed young. In its many expressions, such as Kalterersee (Lago di Caldaro), Schiava reveals its most charming qualities: immediacy at the glass and versatility at the table.

Alongside these local gems, Alto Adige is also home to international varieties that have found an ideal habitat here, expressing themselves with a distinctive Alpine signature. Among the whites, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Müller Thurgau and Sauvignon Blanc produce wines that are poised, aromatic and remarkably drinkable. Among the reds, Pinot Noir finds in these cool hillside zones a privileged terroir, resulting in wines of finesse and complexity.

The Kettmeir Classics: The Essence of Place

So, what wines are produced in Alto Adige? As a historic winery of the region, Kettmeir interprets the richness and diversity of this territory with expertise and precision, offering a portfolio that expresses its potential at its most authentic.

The Kettmeir Classics line captures the region’s truest voice through single-varietal wines that highlight the character of each grape:

• Kettmeir Pinot Blanc is elegant and refined, with delicate notes of green apple, citrus and a pleasing mineral edge. 
• Chardonnay, fresh and harmonious, stands out for white-fleshed fruit and a lively acidity. 
• Pinot Grigio, straw-yellow in colour, offers fragrant aromas of pear and white flowers, with a savoury, persistent palate. 
• Müller Thurgau, light and aromatic, wins you over with hints of aromatic herbs and exotic fruit. 
• Sauvignon is intense and expressive, with boxwood, grapefruit and tomato leaf nuances. 
• Gewürztraminer, aromatic by definition, captivates with rose, lychee and spice. 
• Finally, Lagrein in the Classics line is youthful and fruit-forward, expressing the variety’s typicity with immediacy and pleasure.

Kettmeir’s Selections: Terroir at Its Finest

For those seeking greater complexity and structure, the winery presents the Kettmeir’s Selections. These wines come from particularly suited vineyards and from a careful selection of grapes, with one goal: to express the full potential of the terroir.

Within the Selections, certain wines stand out as the pinnacle of Kettmeir’s production, capable of captivating even the most demanding palates. Each label is the result of meticulous work in the vineyard and in the cellar, with ageing that enhances aromatic depth and supports longevity.

If you’d like to explore and taste the wines of Alto Adige, we invite you to visit the Kettmeir online shop. Here you’ll find the complete range—from the Classics to the Selections—and choose your favourites for a memorable tasting experience. Let yourself be guided by the quality and heritage of a winery that, for generations, has been synonymous with excellence in Alto Adige’s wine landscape.