Alto Adige Santa Maddalena DOC

Santa Maddalena occupies steep, south-facing terraced hillsides immediately northeast of Bolzano, at the intersection of the Adige and Isarco rivers. Elevations range from 200 to 600 metres above sea level, and the slopes count among the oldest and sunniest wine-growing sites in all of South Tyrol. The soils are a mosaic of morainic sandy deposits, sandy-loamy alluvial gravel, and weathered volcanic porphyry rocks left behind by glacial activity during the last ice age.

• Sits at the confluence of the Adige and Isarco rivers
• South-facing slopes maximise sun exposure across more than 300 days of sunshine annually
• Soils include glacial moraines, alluvial gravel, and volcanic porphyry
• The Classico subzone covers the historic villages of St. Maddalena, St. Justina, St. Peter, Rentsch, Leitach, and Kosten

The appellation benefits from a temperate inner-alpine continental climate, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. Days are mild and sunny, soils warm quickly on the steep slopes, and cool nights preserve the natural acidity that keeps Santa Maddalena wines fresh and lively. This diurnal range is central to the wine's balance and aromatic precision.

• Alpine-continental climate with 300+ days of sunshine annually
• Warm soils on steep terraces accelerate ripening of Schiava
• Cool nights retain acidity and floral aromatics
• Sheltered inner-alpine position moderates extreme temperature swings

Schiava, also known locally as Vernatsch, must make up at least 85% of every Santa Maddalena blend. Lagrein can account for up to 15% and adds structure and depth; Pinot Noir is also permitted. The resulting wines are medium-bodied and elegant, marked by aromas of cherry, raspberry, and violet alongside a distinctive bitter almond note on the finish. Tannins are soft, acidity is fresh, and the overall impression is approachable without being simple.

• Schiava (Vernatsch) minimum 85% of the blend
• Lagrein up to 15% adds colour and tannic backbone
• Signature flavours: cherry, raspberry, violet, bitter almond
• Soft tannins and fresh acidity make the style food-friendly and early-drinking

Viticulture on the hills surrounding Bolzano stretches back more than 2,000 years. During the Middle Ages, these wines were prized by South German monasteries and nobility. The modern era of organised production began in 1923 when Santa Maddalena became the first wine-growing commune in Italy to establish a voluntary protection consortium, later reformed in 1978. Official DOC status followed in 1971 as a subzone of the Alto Adige DOC. Production fell during the two World Wars and the transition from Austrian to Italian governance, but the appellation has since re-established its reputation as the definitive expression of Schiava.

• Over 2,000 years of viticulture on the Bolzano hillsides
• Italy's first voluntary wine protection consortium founded here in 1923
• DOC designation established 1971 as a subzone of Alto Adige DOC
• Santa Maddalena Classico designation reserved for wines from six named historic villages