Trentino-Alto Adige is Italy’s most northern wine region, situated along Italy’s border with Austria, and Alto Adige is the northernmost part of Trentino-Alto Adige. Today we are tasting Schiava, a red grape variety, made in Alto Adige. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
Alto Adige, which used to be part of Austria, is also known as Südtirol and German is the predominant language. You will see both Südtirol and Alto Adige on the wine bottles. Both Trentino and Alto Adige are heavily influenced by the soaring Italian Alps. As you might expect, Alto Adige is cooler than Trentino to the south, where temperatures are moderated by Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake.
Vineyards are planted along main valleys and on terraced hillsides in Alto Adige where sun exposure, elevation and soil types are quite variable within a small distance. According to Italian Wine Central 12,046 acres (as of 2021) are planted to vines. In this cool alpine region, it is no surprise that the majority of grape varieties planted are white (65%). Of the red varieties Pinot Noir (11%), Lagrein (9%), and Schiava (Vernatsch) (8%) are the most planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon at 3% each.
2025 Hans Rottensteiner Schiava, Südtirol-Alto Adige DOC — translucent ruby with generous aromas of raspberries, cherries and dried alfalfa. Flavors follow the aromas with red cherries, raspberries and rhubarb. The body is relatively light with smooth tannins and bright acidity. 13% ABV. About $20
100% Schiava is fermented and aged in stainless steel. The grapes were sourced from a vineyard near Bolzano and one from the hills around Bolzano.
What a lovely, light-bodied red wine. With fall definitely in the air, I’m happy sipping this Schiava at cellar temperature. If the weather were warmer, I’d be sipping it chilled. One of the things I enjoy most about lighter-bodied red wines is their versatility with a variety of food and weather. I also appreciate the relatively low ABV.
Hans Rottensteiner is a family-owned and operated winery established in 1956 near Bolzano. The family sources grapes from their five estate vineyards located at different elevations around Bolzano as well as from grower partners.
Thanks to Colangelo & Partners for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
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