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Wines from Italy’s Alto Adige Bring Blast of Alpine Air to New York City

March 2008

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Members of the wine industry and media flocked to the Alto Adige tasting on February 26th at the Puck Building in the city’s trendy Soho neighborhood. Nearly 400 attendees fell in love with wines from this northernmost Italian wine region, home to a unique blend of Alpine and Mediterranean cultures.

Twenty-eight producers participated in the walk-around portion of the event, pouring over 200 wines. The theme, “Feel the Brisk Alpine Air”, was highlighted by après-ski inspired cuisine along with traditional Alto Adige fare prepared by Danny Meyer’s Hudson Yards Catering.

The day began with a seminar/tasting exploring the indigenous varieties of Alto Adige, moderated by Italian wine expert Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW, wine writer and President of the International Wine Center. The 90-minute seminar showcased Gewürztraminer (presented by Wolfgang Klotz of Tramin); Lagrein (presented by Christof Tiefenbrunner of Tiefenbrunner Winery); and Schiava (presented by Heike Platter of Laimburg Province Winery). Attendees—many of whom were unfamiliar with these varieties—discovered the diverse styles, winemaking approaches, and philosophies of the region thanks to this guided tasting. Mary Ewing-Mulligan shared her thoughts on the wines presented:

• The Gewürztraminers are not over the top…but still aromatic and flavorful. There is a balance between sweetness and alcohol.
• Lagrein rosé has structure and you could drink it across all seasons. The Lagrein [reds] have velvety texture and spiciness. There is an edginess and energy that make them great food partners.
• I was struck by the low tannin levels and freshness of the Schiava. I have gained new respect for these wines.

Panoramic city views of the Puck Building’s Skylight Ballroom complemented the walk-around tasting’s airy Alpine feeling. Pinot Bianco, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Nero and Lagrein, the Alto Adige campaign’s four key varieties were also showcased. Wines from a range of producers at each of these varietal tables granted attendees an overview of each grape and provided a superb educational tool.

Alto Adige is one of Italy’s smallest viticultural regions and represents only 0.7% of the country’s total production, yet leads Italy in wine meriting a quality DOC designation. Blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year, this multi-faceted area is most known for its fresh, fruity, and aromatic white wines, and reds of character. More information can be found at www.altoadigewines.com.

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