Tre Bicchieri 2026, the best wines of Alto Adige awarded by Gambero Rosso Gambero Rosso International

The South Tyrolean province has conquered world markets only in recent decades, quickly bringing to light the great potential of a territory, Alto Adige, cultivated by thousands of winegrowers and able to count on a great variety of soils, exposures and altitudes that allow each grape variety to find its ideal place. In recent years, the contribution of the Consorzio di Tutela Alto Adige has become fundamental, having carried out a meticulous and careful subdivision of the territory into sub-zones, indicating which grape varieties are best suited to the numerous geographical units.

Alto Adige – photo Consorzio di tutela

The wines of Alto Adige and the perfect vineyard–varietal combination

The next step is up to the wineries which are increasingly focusing their greatest attention on the perfect pairing, where vineyard and grape variety are matched flawlessly. Both cooperatives and small family-run wineries are not looking at the trendiest or most profitable types; they dedicate their most ambitious labels to wines that express the strength of the territory: the Gewürztraminer of Sella, the Lagrein of Gries, the Pinot Bianco of Terlano and Nalles, or the Riesling of the Venosta Valley and the Isarco Valley. In this context, the classification of individual vineyards is also gaining more ground, further highlighting the virtuous bond between the work of man, the land, and the grapes that best represent it.

Wines and grape varieties as protagonists, zone by zone

This territorial reading is perfectly reflected among the award-winning wines, from Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties that dominate the vineyards of Oltradige and the Bassa Atesina, moving up with as many as three Gewürztraminers from vineyards stretching between Termeno and Caldaro. Continuing, we find Sauvignon and Pinot Bianco between Appiano, Cornaiano and Terlano, while in Bolzano the Lagrein of the Cantina di Bolzano and Muri are the undisputed stars. Rising up the Isarco Valley, Kerner, Riesling and Pinot Grigio perfectly represent that mix of daytime warmth and fresh evening breezes which is reflected in the tension and agility of the wines. Sapidity, lightness and irresistible drinkability distinguish the Schiava of Lake Caldaro and the hills of Santa Maddalena. Pinot Nero, instead, reaches very high levels on both the left and right slopes of the Adige Valley, with the areas of Mazzon, Glen and Appiano Monte now well known precisely for the character of their wines. Finally, we close with the great terrace of Pochi di Salorno, a prestigious basin for sparkling wine bases, as demonstrated by the Pas Dosé ’20 – Kettmeir.