Cantina Kaltern

Cantina Kaltern traces its roots to 1900, when the Erste Kellerei was established in Caldaro. The cooperative grew through a series of mergers spanning more than a century. Erste Kellerei and Neue Kellerei (founded 1925) merged in 1986, followed by the union of Bauernkellerei and Jubiläumskellerei (founded 1906 and 1908 respectively) in 1992. The final consolidation, bringing together all five original wineries that had operated in Caldaro until 1932, was completed in 2016. The cooperative supplied wine to the Vienna imperial court during the Habsburg period, reflecting the region's long-standing reputation for quality.

• Erste Kellerei founded 1900; Neue Kellerei founded 1925; merged 1986
• Bauernkellerei (1906) and Jubiläumskellerei (1908) merged in 1992
• Final consolidation of five original Caldaro wineries completed in 2016
• Historical supplier to the Habsburg Vienna court

Cantina Kaltern sits on the shores of Lake Kaltern (Lago di Caldaro), the largest natural lake in Alto Adige and the warmest natural Alpine lake, reaching 28°C in summer. The cooperative's vineyards span nine municipalities within the Kalterersee Classico DOC zone, planted between 220 and 600 meters above sea level. The climate is Alpine-Mediterranean, with approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. Lake Kaltern moderates temperatures significantly, while cool northern Alpine currents balance warm southern Mediterranean winds, including the Ora wind that flows north from Lake Garda. Cooler alpine slopes favour white varieties; warmer lower elevations suit reds.

• Lake Kaltern is the largest and warmest natural Alpine lake, reaching 28°C in summer
• 300 days of sunshine per year with Alpine-Mediterranean climate
• Ora wind from Lake Garda moderates the growing season alongside cool Alpine currents
• Vineyards span nine municipalities within the Kalterersee Classico DOC zone

The 420 hectares under cultivation rest on glacial alluvial soils with a clay-limestone composition. Two primary parent materials define the terroir: porphyry rock of volcanic origin and limestone. These contrasting soil types contribute mineral complexity across the cooperative's diverse portfolio. Approximately 15 hectares are managed biodynamically, underscoring the cooperative's commitment to sustainable farming. The small-holding model, with members averaging just 0.7 hectares each, preserves traditional Alpine viticulture and allows for meticulous vineyard management across fragmented parcels.

• Glacial alluvial soils with clay-limestone composition
• Two parent materials: volcanic porphyry rock and limestone
• Approximately 15 hectares managed biodynamically
• Members average 0.7 hectares each, preserving small-holding Alpine viticulture

Cantina Kaltern grows a broad range of varieties suited to the Alpine-Mediterranean conditions of Alto Adige. Schiava (Vernatsch) is the flagship grape for Kalterersee DOC, producing light-bodied, mineral-driven reds at 11 to 12% alcohol. Aromatic whites include Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Kerner, and Goldmuskateller (Yellow Muscat). Red varieties extend to Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The cooperative also produces sparkling wines. The Quintessenz Kalterersee Classico Superiore earned Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso for both the 2022 and 2024 vintages.

• Schiava (Vernatsch) anchors the Kalterersee DOC: light-bodied, mineral, 11 to 12% alcohol
• Aromatic whites include Gewürztraminer, Kerner, Goldmuskateller, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc
• Red portfolio includes Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot
• Quintessenz Kalterersee Classico Superiore awarded Tre Bicchieri in 2022 and 2024

Cantina Kaltern is the first Italian wine producer and the first cooperative worldwide to receive FAIR 'N GREEN sustainability certification, setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility in the sector. Wein.plus recognizes the cooperative as one of the best producers in Alto Adige. With 3.5 to 4 million bottles produced annually and 530 to 590 member growers, the cooperative demonstrates that scale and quality can coexist within a model rooted in community and environmental stewardship.

• First Italian winery and first cooperative globally to earn FAIR 'N GREEN certification
• Recognized by wein.plus as one of Alto Adige's best producers
• Produces 3.5 to 4 million bottles annually while maintaining sustainability commitments
• Cooperative model supports 530 to 590 families in the Caldaro community