Alto Adige Meranese di Collina DOC

Alto Adige Meranese di Collina DOC sits within the broader Alto Adige DOC in Italy's northernmost wine region, South Tyrol. The zone encompasses the municipalities of Caines, Merano, Gargazzone, Lana, Marlengo, Postal, Rifiano, San Pancrazio, Scena, Tesimo, and Tirolo. Vineyards range from 300 to 900 meters in elevation, and over 96% of Alto Adige vineyards across the region carry DOC protection.

• Sub-zone of Alto Adige DOC, achieving its own DOC classification in 1993
• Eleven municipalities define the zone, centred on the town of Merano
• Vineyards span 300 to 900 meters above sea level
• Both Italian and German names are official: Meranese di Collina and Meraner Hügel

The Meranese zone enjoys one of the most distinctive microclimates in the Alps. Sheltered by the Dolomites, the area records around 300 sunny days per year and supports palm trees and cypresses alongside the vines, a visual reminder of its Mediterranean character. Warm afternoons are balanced by significant day-night temperature variation, which preserves the white pepper aromatics and fresh acidity that define Schiava from this zone. Soils vary across the appellation: red volcanic porphyry forms the base in many sites, sandy soils appear in the valley floors, and water-permeable limestone features in certain locations.

• Approximately 300 sunny days annually, with Mediterranean-influenced warmth
• Significant diurnal temperature swings retain aromatic freshness in the wines
• Red volcanic porphyry, sandy, and limestone soils contribute to site variation
• Exotic vegetation including palms and cypresses reflects the sheltered microclimate

Schiava, known locally as Vernatsch, is the defining grape of this DOC, required at 100% though up to 15% of complementary red grapes may be blended in. Schiava has been cultivated around Merano for centuries and was historically prized as a 'cure grape,' consumed for its perceived health benefits. The wines produced here are light-bodied and crisp, with characteristic white pepper notes, fresh acidity, and a gentle tannic structure. Cool nights at elevation are credited with preserving the white pepper aromatics that distinguish Meranese Schiava from other expressions of the variety.

• Schiava (Vernatsch) required at 100%; up to 15% complementary red grapes permitted
• Wines are light-bodied with white pepper notes, fresh acidity, and soft tannins
• Schiava grown around Merano for centuries, historically called 'Merano cure grapes'
• Cool nights at altitude preserve the variety's signature aromatic profile

Cantina Merano, formerly Kellerei Meran, is the dominant cooperative in the zone. Founded in 1952 and expanded through a 2010 merger with Burggräfler, the cantina represents approximately 360 member-producers. Its Graf Schickenburg Meranese Schiava is a frequent winner of the Vernatsch Cup competition, a benchmark of quality for the variety. Merano itself hosts an annual wine festival each November, drawing attention to the wines of the region and to South Tyrol more broadly.

• Cantina Merano founded 1952; merged with Burggräfler cooperative in 2010
• Approximately 360 member-producers supply the cooperative
• Graf Schickenburg Meranese Schiava is a recurring Vernatsch Cup winner
• Merano hosts an annual wine festival each November