The dry red wines of Alto Adige can be roughly divided into five categories.

Perhaps the most important is the Schiava, also known locally as Vernatsch. This variety produces light-coloured wines that are often somewhat underestimated, mainly because they are low in tannins and acidity. In fact, the Schiava frequently reflects its origins much more clearly than many other Alto Adige wines. Most of these wines do not have sufficient structure to achieve top ratings, but their finesse, their elegance, their subtle and at the same time complex style ensure these wines are perhaps the best ambassadors of their region.

The other indigenous grape variety of Alto Adige is Lagrein, which, if you like, is the exact opposite of Schiava. It is dark in colour, and quite rich in tannins, but also has a rather one-sided character. This is ideal for easy-drinking everyday wines, while the Riservas benefit significantly from careful oak treatment, which can help the wines to achieve greater complexity – at least in those cases, where the grapes have grown on privileged sites.

The variety, which is related to Teroldego, is superbly suited as a blending partner, and some of the best wines of the region are blends of Lagrein and other (predominantly French) varieties.

Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (and less frequently Cabernet Franc) are also frequently made as varietal wines, but in most cases they are used to produce easy-drinking everyday wines. There are only a few – but certainly significant – exceptional cases in which these varieties have made it into the upper echelons of Alto Adige wines.

The last category of Alto Adige wines is that of the Pinot Noirs. Here, the vineyard site is possibly more important than with any other variety. The wines are frequently full-bodied and powerful, but so far only very few producers have succeeded in imparting to their Pinot Noir wines the finesse and character that can turn this variety into something original and special.

To the "BEST OF Alto Adige Red" (PDF document)

The Alto Adige region in the wine guide

All recently tasted Schiava wines from Alto Adige

All recently tasted Lagrein from Alto Adige

All recently tasted blends from Alto Adige

All recently tasted Merlot from Alto Adige

All recently tasted Cabernet Sauvignon from Alto Adige

All recently tasted Pinot Noir from Alto Adige