Very Nicely Fresh!

A Terroir Filled with Contrasts between Mountain and Valley: Alto Adige Sparkling Wine – An Effervescent Summiteer

As a result of its overall climatic conditions, the abundance of microclimates, and the composition of soils between the Alpine mountain landscape and Mediterranean valley soils, Alto Adige is virtually ideal for the production of sparkling wines. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, the base wine varieties for Alto Adige sparkling wine, grow superbly on mineral-rich soils consisting of alluvial and mud deposits.

Locations from 500 to 1,000 m (1,600 to 3,300 ft.) above sea level, abundant sun during the day, cool temperatures at night, warm soils rich in minerals, and cool winds characterize the particular climate niche that contributes to the contrast-rich character of the Alto Adige terroir. The roots of the vines reach deep into the rocky soil some three to five meters (ten to seventeen feet) in order to absorb important minerals that provide the savory character and the freshness of Alto Adige sparkling wine. This mineral-rich component and the complex procedure of the fermentation in the bottle mutually complement each other in an outstanding way. That is because the high level of spicy acidity in Alto Adige wines along with the classic method of sparkling wine production (the méthode champenoise) allow the coveted sleekness of Alto Adige sparkling wines to blossom and unfold.

The inimitable drinking enjoyment has been validated time and time again by numerous awards.

“Südtirol Sekt”—a new quality seal for sparkling wines from Alto Adige

Sparkling wines from Alto Adige now feature a new seal from the Alto Adige Association of Sparkling Wine Producers, easily recognizable on the neck or capsule of every bottle. The seal sports an elegantly designed, stylized letter “S” that symbolizes the transformation of wine into sparkling wine and represents the letter S in “sparkling wine”, “Sekt,” “Südtirol/Alto Adige,” and “spumante”. The seal also includes the phrases “Südtirol Sekt” and “metodo classico” to indicate bottle fermentation and extended maturing times.

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Méthode Champenoise: Elaborate Work by Hand

All sparkling wine producers in Alto Adige craft their creations in accordance with the labor intensive, classic méthode champenoise of sparkling wine production. This involves not maturing the precious Alto Adige sparkling wines in artificially accelerated tank fermentation, but rather carrying out a second, natural fermentation in the bottle. That is closely tied to very lavish care and control. Even today, the bottles are “riddled” at the right time by hand, and the yeast is removed by freezing the neck of the bottle.

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What makes the Alto Adige méthode champenoise sparkling wine so interesting?

The fermentation process proceeds very slowly by itself. With this gentle transformation of sugar and yeast into alcohol and carbon dioxide, Alto Adige sparkling wine develops the acidity and fruit aromas into its inimitable, elegant mineral-rich sipping pleasure.

What makes Alto Adige sparkling wine unique?

The full fruit aromas and the mineral-rich acidity in Alto Adige sparkling wine have their origins in Alto Adige’s vineyards, in the large temperature fluctuations between day and night, and in the high Alpine elevations with their microclimate particularities. A special influence upon the unique character is exerted by the soil composition of the selected areas of cultivation.

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Which wine varieties find their way into Alto Adige sparkling wine?

Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir are the base wine varieties for Alto Adige sparkling wine. The outstanding grape supply for this is harvested somewhat earlier than that destined for still wine production in order to arrive at the optimal balance between fruit sweetness and acidity.

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The Alto Adige Association of Sparkling Wine Producers

Who are the pioneers of sparkling wine in Alto Adige? A small group of ambitious winemakers who dedicate all of their professionalism and love of Alto Adige wines to the fascination of perlage.

Driven to the Pinnacle

Sparkling wine from Alto Adige is the logical consequence of the impressive quality density of Alto Adige white wines.