Best Trentino Fruit Types
Traditionally cultivated in the fertile Non and Sole valleys nestled along the Noce River banks, Mela Val di Non refers to fresh apples of the Golden Delicious, Renetta Canada and Red Delicious varieties, grown within the province of Trento.
Depending on the variety, the flesh of these juicy apples ranges from crunchy and sour to pasty and sweet. Being an extremely versatile fruit, Val di Non apples can be used in a wide number of recipes. Golden and Red Delicious varieties are most often found in various starters, salads, pork and game based dishes or even drinks, while Renetta is the main ingredient in numerous desserts such as apple cakes, pies, strudels and fritters.
Also known by their German name Südtiroler Apfeln, Mela Alto Adige are apples grown traditionally in the province of Bolzano and are available in the following varieties: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Pinova and Topaz.
Settled in a valley nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, Bolzano features a semi-continental climate with hot summers which provides ideal conditions for the slow ripening of Alto Adige apples. They are easily distinguished by a particularly fragrant aroma, firm and juicy flesh and a long shelf-life.
Lagrein is an ancient Italian red grape mainly cultivated in Trentino-Alto Adige in Northeast Italy. The grape has ancient origins, and though it was once common, it was later mainly replaced by Schiava (Vernatsch), which proved to be more resistant and productive.
Only recently, local winemakers have been promoting it as an excellent native grape that, if treated properly, has incredible potential to produce rounded and well-balanced wines. The grape is used in varietals (included in several regional appellations) and blends.
Susina di Dro is a fresh plum produced within numerous municipalities in the Autonomous Province of Trento, situated in the Sarca Valley in Trentino-Alto Adige. It is distinguished by its high content of polyphenols and low sugar content: these two characteristics are closely tied to the distinctiveness of the production area, especially the regular winds.
The most important is the so-called Ora del Garda which guarantees clear skies and, therefore, continuous sunshine, as well as high temperatures. Two different growing methods are used during the production process: pieno vento and fusetto.
Marzemino is a native Italian red grape. It is an old variety with vague origins, but it is mainly cultivated and associated with northern Italy. Marzemino is used to produce varietal wines, but it is probably best known for its use in Colli di Conegliano, a dessert wine made from partially dried (passito) grapes.
This late-ripening grape produces fragrant and fresh ruby red wines with a light and smooth body. The aroma is often reminiscent of red fruits and violets. It is sometimes vinified in off-dry or lightly sparkling styles, but most production focuses on still red wines within the Trentino DOC.
Nosiola is the only remaining native Trentino grape. The variety makes both dry and sweet white wines, and it is the main grape used in the rare Trentino Vino Santo, a wine made from dried grapes (passito) affected by noble rot. Dry white wines made from Nosiola are light-bodied and approachable.
They usually have a refreshing and mineral character with lemon and apple aromas. Nosiola will usually display a distinctive nutty note, and it is believed that this feature gave the grape its name—Italian nocciola translates as hazelnut. Nosiola is now cultivated only in Trentino, but it was once common in Alto Adige.
THE BEST Nosiola Wine Varieties
Teroldego is a red-skinned grape variety that originates from northern Italy, and it is almost exclusively cultivated in Trentino-Alto Adige. The grape is used in varietals and blends, while the most popular appellation is the Trentino-based Teroldego Rotaliano.
The grape produces dark-colored, tannic wines. When young, they typically display fruity flavors reminiscent of dark and red berries. Aged Teroldego will also feature hints of spices and earthy nuances. These sapid, well-rounded wines usually pair well with red meat, meat sauces, game, and aged cheese.
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