Valdadige DOC (Etschtaler)

Valdadige DOC is a kind of inter-regional wine zone, covering three provinces in two regions: 30 municipalities in the provinces of Bolzano and Trento, in the region Trentino-Alto Adige, where 45% of the wine is produced, and vineyards in the municipalities of Brentino Belluno, Dolcè and Rivoli Veronese, in the province of Verona, in the Veneto region.

Valdadige DOC, (or the German name Etschtaler DOC), is named after the Adige river which runs through approximately 30 municipalities in the valley. The grapes from this zone must be grown in Bolzano Province.

Wine growing and wine making have very ancient roots in this area. Research suggests that the Illyrian tribes, which came from Greece, planted the first vines in the area. This hypothesis was confirmed when archaeologists found a pot which dated back to 6th or 7th century BC. The pot was used for wine offerings to the gods. The jug is today a symbol of regional viticulture and is kept in Trento, at the castle Castello de Buonconsiglio.

Valdadige DOC’s large scale production implies that this wine zone is very different from the others. Every wine has a distinct style and is generally easily recognizable, however, the wines have a lower alcohol content than those from the neighboring areas.

Producers in Valdadige DOC deliver fine, smooth wines varying from dry to sweet for both red and white wines. The whites are often bubbly (Vivace) or sparkling.

Read more about the wines from Valdadige DOC (Etschtaler) by clicking i the top menu in the right side.