This past summer I spent some time exploring the wine regions of Alto Adige. One stop on my tour, and a place we will return to on our Bike the Wine Roads of Trentino-Alto Adige bicycle holidays in 2012 is the town of Terlano, and the DOC wine zone that shares its name. Located in the Adige valley, the Terlano (or Terlaner) wine zone stretches several miles both north and south of Terlano, which lies six miles west of Bolzano. Terlano is a small town of about 4000 people, and is famous for two products – wine and white asparagus. According to the 2001 census, 87% of the population of Terlano speak German, with only 13% speaking Italian.
The wine-making tradition in this area dates back over 2000 years, back to the ancient Rhaetians, the people that lived in the area when the Romans reached the Alps. In the Middle Ages, the wines from this region were quite popular in the Bavarian monasteries, who purchased quite a bit of wine from this area. Terlano is located at the foot of Mount Tschoggel, and as is usually the case in these mountainous wine producing regions, the topography plays a huge role in the cultivation of these grapes. The south-facing slopes offer extended exposure to the sun, the porphyry rocks found here soak up the sunlight and keep the soil warm and dry; the porous soil drains well, again, keeping the roots dry and rot-free.
The vineyards of Terlano are particularly well-known for their white wines, which are big, complex, and long-lived. Red wines are also grown in the region, but the particular Terlaner DOC regulations apply only to the whites from this area. Reds are included under the Alto Adige DOC, which I’ll cover in a future post.
In April and May, this region produces a wonderful white asparagus, a very elegant vegetable found throughout Northeastern Italy, but rarely outside of it. The Terlaner Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect wine to pair with the asparagus.
Wines of the Terlano/Terlaner DOC
Terlaner Bianco: A white blend, using a variety of white grapes from the Terlaner region. It must consist of a minimum of 50% Pinot Bianco and/or Chardonnay, with the remainder Riesling, Riesling Italico, Sauvignon, Sylvaner, Muller-Thurgau. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Flowery and fruity, with a full flavor profile.
Chardonnay: 90% chardonnay. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Fruity, dry, medium-bodied, pale straw yellow in color.
Muller Thurgau: 90% Muller Thurgau. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Pale yellow, lightly aromatic with tropical fruits.
Pinot Bianco or Weissburgunder: 90% Pinot Bianco. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Pale yellow with hints of green, fruity and soft.
Pinot Grigio or Rulander: 90% Pinot Grigio. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Light straw yellow, ripe fruit and good balance.
Riesling: 90% Riesling. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante.
Riesling Italico or Weischriesling: 90% Riesling Italico. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante.
Sauvignon: 90% Sauvignon. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Light yellow, with hint of green, intense fruit bouquet, well-balanced acidity.
Sylvaner: 90% Sylvaner. Both dry and sweet Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest) versions are available, as well as a dry Spumante. Earth and minerals, with a scent of fresh herbs.
