 Alto Adige, the northernmost region of the peninsula, was ceded to Italy in 1919 after World War I. Though Italian by nationality, its inhabitants are predominantly of German and Austrian descent. Wine is taken very seriously in this region, which is responsible for 17 percent of the nation's wine production. The land is mountainous, with craggy peaks, sloping valleys, breathtaking views, regal German architecture, and manicured vineyards. However, only four percent of the land is suitable for agriculture. Many producers rely on cooperative farming for their grape production because large vineyard blocks are physically impossible due to its geographic limitations.
Alto Adige focuses on native varietals like Pinot Bianco, Muller Thurgau, Sylvaner, and Pinot Grigio; as well as reds like Nosiola, Marzemino, Schiava, and Teroldego. They have also gained recognition for international  whites like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio; and international reds like Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Noir (or as the label indicates, Blauburgunder). The main distinction between Alto Adige and its neighbor, Trentino, is the organization of their wineries. The majority of Trentino wine production is the hands of large cooperative wineries that produce an incredible volume and maintain affordable prices despite such high quality. One element of Alto Adige's success may be the contrast between warm daytime temperatures and cooler evening hours, which allows for optimal growth and a longer maturation period, and creates depth, complexity, and balanced acidity in the wine. At Siena Imports, we regard this tiny region as "la punta di diamante" (tip of the diamond) in our portfolio.
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White Wine: |
 GRAPE: Pinot Bianco
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Straw with green highlights
TASTE: This wine expresses most convincingly the quality and potential of Alto Adige white wine production. The labor of 341 grape growers and the philosophy of the St. Michael Eppan winery create a complete wine with apple, apricot and pear fruit flavors. This pinot bianco is balanced by the medium body, velvety softness, and lively acidity followed by light cedar tones. Complimentary to the demands of sophisticated cuisine, this white pairs well with appetizers, pasta in light sauces, seafood and white meats. |
 GRAPE: Pinot Grigio
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Pale Straw With Green Tints
TASTE: From master winemaker Hans Terzer, and over 300 of the best growers in the Appiano Valley, comes this medium bodied white wine. At over 1000 feet elevation, the growing season is cool and long, allowing the vine time to concentrate the flavors. The green apples and Bartlett pears hinted at on the nose become fully developed in the palate, embedded in a creamy mouth feel. Recognized as the Winery of the Year 2000 in the Gambero Rosso. |
 GRAPE: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION:Alto Adige
COLOR: Light Straw
TASTE: This intensive white, grown in the exclusive area of Lahn in Appiano, is derived from a limited production typified by sustained character and quality. Fragrant and intense aromas of elderberries and honey lead to a complex, lingering finish. Bottle maturation enhances the natural density and intricacy of this wine, which pairs well with light meats, antipasti, salads and seafood. |
Ruby Red Wine: |
Red Wine: |
 GRAPE: Pinot Nero
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Bright Plum
TASTE: A lighter style Pinot Noir from the single vineyard Nofnerhof of the St. Michael Eppan Winery. The wild strawberry and plum fruit is balanced by the hints of spice on the finish. Quickly developing some of the most well-known and respected white wines in the region, Hans Terzer is now applying his enological technique to the reds. This wine pairs exceptionally well with salmon, calamari and all oily fish, as well as salads, pizza and light meats. |
 GRAPE: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Ruby Red with Garnet Tones
TASTE: A true Italian style Cabernet which focuses on the dark berry fruit, smooth texture, light oak, and rich spicy finish. From master winemaker Hans Terzer and over 300 grape producers from the Appiano valley in Alto Adige. This new world style red is best when paired with cured meats like bresaola and prosciutto. An excellent compliment to meat based pastas, roasted meats and traditional dishes like Saltinbocca. |
 GRAPE: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Deep Ruby Red
TASTE: From master winemaker Hans Terzer and over 300 grape producers from the Appiano valley in Alto Adige, comes this red internationally recognized for its intensity and complexity. Two years in oak and six months of bottle fining create aromas evocative of dark berry fruit, black pepper and licorice, with underlying smoky tones, and hearty structure giving way to a long, persistent finish. Excellent when paired with hearty cuisine, such as game, roasted red meats, such as lamb and beef, and mature cheeses. |
 GRAPE: Lagrein
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Ruby Red
TASTE: This Lagrein is characterized by a lively ruby red color and a variety of aromas reminiscent of ripe red fruits. A full, pleasantly warm and intense wine with a velvety softness. A red wine of distinction, unique in its was, and only to be found in South Tyrol. It goes exceedingly well with meat, roasts and spicy cheeses, but it is also a wine to savor and for meditation, above all when it is drunk following several years of ageing and maturation in the bottle. |
 GRAPE: 100% Schiava Gentile
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Clear Ruby Red
AROMA: Fruit driven aromas interlaced with fragrant, soft violets and jasmine blossoms.
FRUIT FLAVOR/MOUTH FEEL: Red berry fruit, cherry driven.
STRUCTURE/BODY: Light bodied, refined structure.
FINISH: Light tannins, almond infused.
MENU PAIRING: This wine pairs exceptionally well with most dishes throughout the entire meal; especially with Tyrolean snacks such as salumi (pancetta), salsiccia and all cheeses.
DESCRIPTION FOR THE GUEST: A red wine made from the Schiava grape, which is still the most widely cultivated varietal in Sud-Tyrol. The clear ruby-red color catches the eye as the refreshing cherry and raspberry fruit flavor captures the palate; the multifaceted character allows it to pair with most dishes throughout an entire meal. |
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White Wine: |
 GRAPE: Pinot Bianco
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Straw with green highlights
TASTE: This wine expresses most convincingly the quality and potential of Alto Adige white wine production. The labor of 341 grape growers and the philosophy of the St. Michael Eppan winery create a complete wine with apple, apricot and pear fruit flavors. This pinot bianco is balanced by the medium body, velvety softness, and lively acidity followed by light cedar tones. Complimentary to the demands of sophisticated cuisine, this white pairs well with appetizers, pasta in light sauces, seafood and white meats. |
 GRAPE: Pinot Grigio
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Pale Straw With Green Tints
TASTE: From the northernmost area of Italy , these grapes are grown in an area that belonged to Austria before World War I. This white, from master winemaker Hans Terzer, has won numerous awards with the past vintages, including the coveted “Tre Bichierri,” from the Gambero Rosso. This full-bodied wine is packed with green apples and Bartlett pears, encompassed in a creamy mouth feel. With pronounced oak tones, it excels with white meats like veal and pork, and cream sauces. |
 GRAPE: Chardonnay
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Golden Yellow
TASTE: From the winery of the year 2000 in the Gambero Rosso, comes this flagship white bearing the Hans Terzer signature. Grown in the northernmost section of Italy, at over 1000 feet elevation, this international style of Chardonnay is full bodied; loaded with apples, asian pears, vanillin, and an oak finish; and is recognizable by its creaminess on the palate. Aged one year in oak, 30% French barrique, and refined one year in the bottle, it pairs well with cream sauces, white meats, and cheeses. |
 GRAPE: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Straw
TASTE: The third “tre bicchieri” wine in the triumvirate of celebrated whites from the St. Michael Eppan winery. Master winemaker Hans Terzer has carefully crafted a Sauvignon that is not limited by the nature of the grape. Gone are the dry, grassy flavors, replaced by a lusciously rich cornucopia of tropical fruits including mangos, papayas, and candied pineapples. A full-bodied thickness in the mouth is accented by 30% barrique barrel aging. |
 GRAPE: Gewürztraminer
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Golden
TASTE: Unnecessary to delineate, this white surely is the most typical Sudtirolese wine of the Bassa Atesina. Golden in color with an unmistakable, unique fragrance reminiscent of roses, spices and pepper creating a long and persistent clove-infused finish. This wine is excellent as an aperitif and pairs well with seafood, particularly caviar and lobster. |
Red Wine: |
 GRAPE: Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Ruby Red with Garnet Tones
TASTE: A true Italian style Cabernet which focuses on the dark berry fruit, smooth texture, light oak, and rich spicy finish. From master winemaker Hans Terzer and over 300 grape producers from the Appiano valley in Alto Adige. This new world style red is best when paired with cured meats like bresaola and prosciutto. An excellent compliment to meat based pastas, roasted meats and traditional dishes like Saltinbocca. |
 GRAPE: Pinot Nero
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Bright Garnet
TASTE: Years of targeted selection in the Sanct Valentin vineyards have produced this smooth and delicious Pinot Nero, which is soft on the palate with aromas of fresh violets and flavors of crisp cherry fruit and a touch of marzipan. Sm From master winemaker Hans Terzer and over 300 grape producers from the Appiano valley in Alto Adige. A magnificent wine to accompany game, especially lamb and venison, red meat based dishes and ripe aged cheeses. |
 GRAPE: Lagrein
REGION: Alto Adige
COLOR: Dark Garnet
TASTE: Dark berry fruit (raspberry, blueberry & black cherry) and chocolate intermingle with prunella and vanilla notes. Dark berry fruit, some prunello (herbaceous). Immense strength and structure are unleashed on the palate with finely integrated acidity, and smooth, strong tannins. Highly structured and full bodied. Smooth & strong finish. This wine pairs exceptionally well with meat based pastas, game, roasts and spicy cheeses. |
Desert Wine: |
 “The Grand Finale to a harmonious meal”.
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