TRENTINO’S VINEYARDS

VALLE
DELL’ADIGE

The bridge between the Germanic world and the Latin world

Trento is the capital of the province of Trentino and the main city of the Adige Valley. Its historic center surrounds a Medieval Cathedral from which spiral Renaissance houses with frescoed facades and is surrounded by a stone wall fortification. The Cycle of the Months, whose detailed and elegant depictions show the importance of the wine economy in the Adige Valley, is considered a Gothic opera of international significance in the Buonconsiglio Castle, deserves special mention.

Despite population growth and industrialization, along the Adige River, the valley’s vineyards are essentially the same as the artist painted it seven centuries ago. The numerous vineyards of Nosiola, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Cabernet and more grow increase as one heads north of Trento and heads towards the Piana Rotaliana.

VALLE
DI CEMBRA

Steep vineyards that cling to the mountainside

There are numerous theories to explain the origin of the Valle di Cembra’s name.  It is undoubtedly one most distinctive valley in Trentino. Some believe the name comes from the woods of arolla pines (pinus cembra) which still grow on the hillsides and others believe it comes from the ancient Cimbri tribes who populated the area. Without any doubt the valley’s history goes back a long way.

Not only is the valley rich in history, but also its landscape is rich in unique landscapes with vineyards that cover the steep hillsides down to the Avisio Creek, interspersed with woods.

Today, this steep and rugged valley is still characterized by terraced vineyards.  Small and picturesque farm plots are divided by dry-stone walls and narrow and steep paths. These century old walls embellish the landscape with unusual lacework and are made of porphyry waste, the ‘red gold’ of Trentino from the numerous quarries on the left side of the Cembra Valley. Porphyry, remnants of volcanic eruptions 270-289 million years ago, is widely used as a cladding material and as paving stones.

The valley’s steep and heroic viticulture, requires a great deal of manual labour. The majority of the valley’s vineyards are dedicated to the cultivation of white grapes, in particular Müller Thurgau and Chardonnay.

VALSUGANA

Natural opening of the region towards the plains and sea of Veneto

The Valsugana’s geography has been central to trade and tourism. The famous Claudia Augusta Altinate road, an ancient Roman road which runs through Trentino-South Tyrol, Austrian Tyrol and Bavaria, crosses the valley adjacent to the river Brenta River Vineyard management was introduced by the Romans and continues to this day.

In recent years the Valsugana has supported had meaningful and important initiatives that have revitalized the agricultural sector. In the mid nineteenth century many of the vineyards were planted to international varietals, but in recent years intrepid farmers made an important choice that preserved biodiversity and the cultural traditions of the land and started replanting the traditional varietals. Monfort supported these farmers and made modern interpretations of these ancient varietals and has crafted wines that have appeal amongst connoisseurs and lovers of something different. 

Piana Rotaliana

Europe’s most beautiful vineyard garden

As one leaves Trento and heads north one enters into the distinctive agricultural landscape of the Piana Rotaliana’s renowned wine growing area. 

The alluvial plains of the Noce River and the rock faces which reflect the sun’s rays in the summer, combine to produce the unique conditions of Teroldego Rotaliano.

The grape, which is cultivated on the valley floor surrounded by the mountains, gets its name from the village of Teroldeghe near Mezzolombardo. It is considered one of the best wines of Trentino and may well be related to Marzemino. Its origins are shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that it comes from dragon’s blood.  Most probably it comes from Asia. Whatever the truth, Teroldego has clearly found unique growing conditions in the Piana Rotaliana.