Starting in 1900, cultivation of white grape varieties achieved a firmer foothold in the Eisacktal Valley.

Over the years, there was constant improvement in knowledge concerning the optimal matching of grape varieties to specific locations. At the same time, the local viticulturists and vintners developed ever greater expertise in dealing with wines that were almost exclusively pure varietals.

Considering the extremely favorable climate and mineral-rich soil, it is no surprise that wines from the Eisacktal Valley are heavily favored with awards year after year. Their varietal authenticity, clarity, and drinkability make them a genuine treat for both wine connoisseurs and occasional wine drinkers.

„The Eisacktal Valley has no lack of superlatives: It is the northernmost wine-growing region in the republic. In Italy, its plants have a reputation that precedes them like a thunderclap", from "Südtirols Freie Weinbauern" (South Tyrol's Independent Winegrowers) by Martin Kilchmann, published by folio Verlag

Seven white wines and a red wine cuvée bear the designation of origin Alto Adige Valle Isarco (South Tyrol Eisacktal Valley). The whites are Sylvaner, Müller Thurgau, Gewurztraminer, Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Kerner and Riesling, while Klausner Leitacher, a blend of red varieties, is the only red wine to bear this designation of origin. Other wines cultivated in the Eisacktal Valley grapes are pressed under the DOC designation Alto Adige/Südtirol (Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Vernatsch, and Pinot Noir Zweigelt)

 

  • sylvaner
    Sylvaner
  • mueller
    Müller Thurgau
  • gwuerzer
    Gewürztraminer
  • veltliner
    Veltliner
  • weissburgunder
    Ruländer
  • kerner
    Kerner
  • riesling
    Riesling
  • vernatsch
    Vernatsch
Unlike today, 58% of the grapes delivered in the first year of modern cultivation (1961) were red varietals, and 42% were white varietals. The last 30 years have been characterized by widespread conversion to white wines, so that current production now forms 86% white grape varietals and 14% red varietals. For example, the percentage of Müller Thurgau rose from 4% in 1961 to 19% in 2014. Strong growth is also evident in the percentage of Gewürztraminer, which rose from 0.2% in 1961 to 15% today. Kerner, which was not cultivated in 1961, currently accounts for 17% of production.
 
The white wine trend continues; the Kerner, Sylvaner, Riesling, and Sauvignon varieties are all increasingly popular.

vineyards

  • 17
    Kerner
  • 16
    Silvaner
  • 19
    Müller Thurgau
  • 7
    Veltliner
  • 15
    Gewürztraminer

Every year, wines from the Eisacktal Valley receive numerous awards and mentions in renowned publications such as Bibenda, Antonio Galloni, Gambero Rosso, Vitae, L'Espresso, Luca Maroni, Robert Parker, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Slow Wine, Stephen Tanzer, Vini Veronelli, etc.

These awards attest to the ideal location of the Eisack Valley vineyards, but also to the great commitment of the local vintners and the use of modern winemaking technology, which gives our wines their character and typicality.

Ultimately, however, it is not stars, glasses, clusters, and crowns that determine which wines fall on one’s personal list of preferences.

Reviews of specific wines can be found on the websites of our member firms.