Top 20 Alto Adige Wines

This Lagrein ups the ante with a bold, power-filled full-bodied red wine. It renders depth and flavor from start to finish. The flavor profile is comprised largely of blackberry, raspberry, plum and black licorice - there is a smoked spice nuance that adds to the palate intrigue. The finish is firm and persistent. Consider pairing with grilled or roasted game.

The J. Hofstatter Crozzol Pinot Noir is a subtle, beautifully refined wine with notes of raspberry and cherry on the palate. It is a medium-bodied red with a pleasant finish. The Hofstatter Crozzol Pinot Noir offers a lot of food-pairing versatility as it is not likely to compete, but will complement a variety of flavors.

This particular Gewurztraminer comes from one of Alto Adige's oldest cooperative wineries. On the nose, floral notes prevail - dominated by rose petals, a fuller body, exotic spice and tangy green apple greet the palate.

This is a serious Pinot Noir that demands attention and gets it, due to its compelling personality and food-friendly nature. The nose is dominated by raspberry and cherry fruit, both of which are elegantly echoed on the palate along with a sense of place, an earthy nuance that seems to ground the fruit. The wine is reserved, yet playful - fruit forward, yet subtley restrained by terroir and the finish is exquisite.

This Pinot Bianco from Alois Lageder has both poise and presence. It is packed with apple and melon on the palate and underneath the fruit there is a solid display of minerality. Fresh, alive and layered with well-honed acidity - this wine is a keeper.

Set in a breath-taking 11th century monastery, the Lagrein grapes are grown and cared for by the monastery's monks. This Muri-Gries Lagrein offers a delicious rendition of dark fruit carried on soft, well-mingled tannins. Glimmers of mocha and a layer of earth support the rich fruit and long finish.

St. Michael-Eppan is a successful cooperative winery in Alto Adige. St. Michael-Eppan's Comtess Passito presents a delicious dessert wine, made from a lovely blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling grapes. This is a full-bodied, full-flavored dessert wine, with plenty of honey and spice, based on elegance and vinified style.

Kerner is a cross between Riesling and Schiava, a local red wine grape from Alto Adige. While this may not be a familiar wine to many, it is worth seeking out for both the novelty and more importantly to taste how "fresh," fresh can be when the grapes are grown at altitude literally exchanging breath with the Italian Alps. The flavor profile yields incredible clarity in the fruit - mango and melon with a squeeze of citrus take the first focus, followed by clear-cut, mouth-watering acidity.

This is a single vineyard Pinot Grigio and offers a highly concentrated, elegant white wine experience. If you are used to a lean and mean Pinot Grigio, this will take you off guard for a moment as this is decidedly rounder, with the edges thoroughly softened by malolactic fermentation. A well-presented, refined Pinot Grigio with delicious flavor and bright acidity. As for the palate flavor profile, you’ll find plenty of ripe peach and subtle tropical tones overlaid with just a touch of oak. Consider pairing with seafood served over pasta or roasted poultry.