There Are Actually Two “T”s in “Italian Wine”

This Wine Wednesday we focus on two terrific Italian regions — Tuscany and the dual region of Trentino & Südtirol / Alto Adige!

Trentino - Südtirol / Alto Adige

The dual regions of Südtirol (a.k.a. Alto Adige) and Trentino contain the most northerly vineyards in Italy. The southern Trentino region contains the Dolomite Alps, so it should be no surprise that 70% of the land is at least 3,000 feet above sea level. The vineyards are all in the lower 10% of the country (a mere 2900 feet above sea level).

For the region’s northern half, the former Austro-Hungarian Empire territory of the Südtirol has the majority of its population still speaking German. The Adige River runs the length of it, and most of its vineyards are planted in alluvial soil along the river’s valley.

For red grapes, look for Lagrein and Schiava, although the areas are more known for their white wines made from Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Tuscany

Stretching from the Tyrrhenian coastline inland toward the Apennine Mountains, Tuscany has a variety of soil types and elevations. It is famous for being the home of the various Chianti regions, and, grape-wise, that means Sangiovese, Sangiovese, Sangiovese! That said, it’s common to find vintners blending in small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon into their Chiantis. Appellation rules also allow them throw in native varieties like Canaiolo Nero and Colorino. Believe it or not, there are Tuscan whites — they use grapes like Trebbiano, Vernaccia, and Vermentino. Also, Italy’s famous dessert wine, Vin Santo, is also from Tuscany — the wine region that keeps on giving.

Please join us this Wine Wednesday as guest pourer Kristen from importer / distributor Winebow Fine Wine + Spirits presents wines tantalizing, terroir-driven wines from Italy’s two “T” wine regions. Come as you are anytime between 5:00 and 6:30 PM. No need to dress … to the T.