“Making Good Wines is a Craft. Making Great Wines is an Art”
Exploring Cantina di Bolzano: Alpine Elegance in Every Sip
Nestled in the heart of Alto Adige, Cantina di Bolzano—also known as Cantina Bozen—embodies the perfect harmony between tradition, sustainability, and cutting-edge winemaking. Founded through the unification of two historic cooperatives from Gries (1908) and St. Maddalena (1930), Cantina di Bolzano represents the collective passion of 224 grower-members cultivating 350 hectares of premium vineyards across some of Italy’s most stunning alpine terrain.
A Story Rooted in Resilience and Vision
The roots of Cantina di Bolzano run deep. From enduring the hardship of WWII bombings to merging in 2001 to create a stronger, unified presence, the winery’s story is one of perseverance and forward thinking. In 2018, the winery unveiled a modern, gravity-flow production facility built into a hillside and designed to resemble a vine leaf—an architectural and ecological feat that earned it South Tyrol’s first CasaClimaWine® sustainability certification.
Sustainability Beyond the Buzzword
Cantina di Bolzano lives and breathes environmental stewardship. The entire winemaking process is gravity-fed, eliminating the need for pumps and saving energy. The facility uses renewable sources for heating and employs natural cooling through its hillside construction. Vineyard practices emphasize biodiversity and health, from green manuring to the exclusive use of organic fertilizers and biodegradable materials.
Alpine Terroir, Mountain Precision
Alto Adige is a region of contrast—where Mediterranean warmth meets alpine freshness. The vineyards span altitudes from 200 to 1,000 meters above sea level, benefiting from diurnal temperature swings and the proximity of the Adige and Isarco rivers. This gives rise to white wines of exceptional freshness, elegance, and character.
Tasting Highlights: Four Expressions of Alto Adige
During the recent webinar, we explored four standout wines that reflect the diversity and precision of Cantina di Bolzano’s white wine portfolio:
Dellago – Weissburgunder (Pinot Bianco) 2021 – Partially fermented in stainless steel (80%) and barriques (20%), the wine is elegant and full-bodied with nice acidity. Notes of lemon and green apple with aromas of fall in the glass
Mock – Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – Short cold maceration; aged in stainless steel from vines planted in the 19th century. Aromas of elderflower, hint of a grassy field with juicy red grapefruit and mineral notes.
Hochkofler – Riesling 2023 – Stainless steel fermentation. Dry and elegant, fresh with nice soft acidity. Aromas of pineapple and a hint of petrol followed by notes of peach and apricot.
Puntscheit – Kerner2024 – My first time with the Kerner grape and I was delighted! It was named after Justinus Kerner a poet from Germany. The grape is frost resistant and thrives in a cool climate. It’s very aromatic with notes of nutmeg, peach, mandarin orange, pineapple, nice tingling acidity on the sides of your mouth.
Cantina di Bolzano is more than just a winery—it’s a symbol of cooperative spirit, environmental consciousness, and alpine excellence. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a floral Kerner, each glass tells a story of terroir, tradition, and thoughtful innovation. If you haven’t yet explored the wines of Alto Adige, Cantina di Bolzano offers the perfect gateway to one of Italy’s most exciting and dynamic wine regions.
