Wines of Trentino

Archaeological finds have determined that winemaking in Trentino dates back to the V-VI century BC. One of these was an Etruscan Situla, a copper pail with inscriptions praising the cult of Bacchus The Romans, too, were known to have appreciated and encouraged winemaking in the area.

In the Middle Ages and up to 1145, the Augustine monks of the Abbey of San Michele all’Adige documented their ‘charter rules’ winemaking methods, harvest dates, controls on production and even wine prices. All this helps to give a picture of the importance winemaking has had throughout the ages.

In more recent times the history of Trentino wines was told by Michelangelo Mariani, the historian of the Council of Trent, who towards the middle of the 14th century described the various types of wine and grapes used in the Trentino area. The annexation of the region into the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire coincided with the official recognition of Trentino wines to the extent that, in 1874, the Istituto Agrario di San Michele all’Adige, built on the site of the ancient abbey, was given the task of coordinating regional wine production and training oenologists and agronomists. This is a function the institute still performs today.

From a winemaking point of view, but not only, Trentino and Alto Adige (South Tyrol) are two totally distinct realities. In the province of Trentino, the influence from neighbouring Veneto is very strong and this is evident in their wine production. Wine growing here is very difficult and the vineyards are often terraced on steep slopes. At one time the most widespread grape was Nosiola, a white variety that was almost wiped out during the phylloxera plague at the start of the 20th century. The vast majority of Trentino wines are produced by large and modern cooperatives. These wines are well-made, perhaps a bit simple but almost always with an excellent quality-price ratio.

Since there is an exception to every rule, there is a DOC red wine that is different from the others of the Trentino appellation. It is Teroldego Rotaliano and is made from Teroldego grapes cultivated on the Piana Rotaliana, the only plain in the whole province. It is a great wine with enormous potential that ages with class, never has the aggressiveness of a Barolo nor the elegance of a Pinot Noir, and yet its spicy aromas and its remarkable balance make it one of the most interesting reds in the area. It should be served at 18°C in broad glasses and paired with typical, local cuisine including mushrooms.

The differences in altitudes and the exposures of the vineyards, along with their positions, create a variety of microclimates that make wine growing easy in some areas and difficult in others. The areas more to the south, which benefit from the influence of Lake Garda, even have olive and palm trees and thus have an almost Mediterranean climate. More to the north, where the mountain peaks tower it seems more like being on the banks of the Moselle River. The soils of the province, on the other hand, are more uniform.

The following Trentino wines were shared by the NQ Wine Club in September2022

Mastri Vernacoli Trentino Pinot Bianco 2020 Grape; PINOT BIANCO 85%, CHARDONNAY 15%

Pinot Bianco, like Pinot Grigio, is a pale-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir. It produces some of the most interesting wines from northern Italy, where it has been planted for over 200 years. It has a distinctive, refreshing style that sets it apart from the softer, more rounded Pinot Grigio.

Delicate aromas of citrus fruit and white flower. The palate is crisp and textural with a creamy mouthfeel and good concentration of citrus and stone fruit characters. Good length and lively acidity on the finish with minerality and depth. The influence of chardonnay in this blend (although only 15%) is evident.

Bottega Vinai Trentino Gewürztraminer 2020 Grape; TRAMINER 100%

A fresh, intensely fragrant style of Gewurz from near Tramin - the home of this grape. Ripe opulent and perfumed with pure varietal characters offset by good acidity.

Intense rose petal and lychee aromas typical of the grape, with hints of ginger, citrus peel and honeysuckle. Ripe and aromatic, with exotic fruit on the palate, zesty citrus acidity, and floral characters - leading to a long, dry and spicy finish.

Bottega Vinai Trentino Lagrein 2018 Grape LAGREIN 100%

An interesting, characterful red; a combination of vibrant bitter cherry and plum fruit with darker, spicier notes. A great food wine. Indigenous to Trentino and thought to be related to Syrah.

A warm spicy nose with lightly smoky aromas, which mingle with plum, red berries and a hint of chocolate. The palate is finely structured with supple tannins and bright balancing acidity. Ripe plum and blackberry fruit lead to long, savoury finish with a typically Italian bitter cherry twist.

Terrazze della Luna Teroldego Rotaliano 2019 Grape TEROLDEGO 100%

Grapes are sourced from the Campo Rotaliano, an alluvial plain between the Rivers Adige and Noce - an ideal area for cultivating vines and the heartland of the indigenous Teroldego grape.

A fruit-forward and vibrant red with aromas of ripe black cherry and forest fruits. A savoury palate with juicy fruit balanced by fresh sappy acidity. Ripe summer pudding characters mingle with bitter chocolate, liquorice and spicy notes.