Upper Adige / South Tyrol
The South Tyrol or Upper Adige is the name of this mainly mountainous region set amidst splendid peaks and valleys full of history. The Romans crossed it to conquer the ancient Germany, as did Frederick Barbarossa in order to enter Italy. The proud population of the Upper Adige managed to transform rough and often poor areas of arable plains into a garden, creating terraced crops. Benedictine and Agostinian monks and the Bishopric of Brixen (Bressanone) are just some of the very important historic factors that gave these lands their appearance, that can still be seen today.
The environmental conditions favour the cultivation of aromatic white grapes such as Gewürtztraminer and Goldmuskateller, but there are also other interesting vine species such as Weissburgunder, Chardonnay, Riesling, Kerner and Veltliner. Red grapes reveal the typicalness of the territory in the splendid Lagrein, Merlot, Cabernet and Pinot Nero. Such a scenario offers South Tyrolese stills - which are traditionally the double-boiler type - top quality marcs.
Upper Adige Grappas enjoy the clean, crystal-clear waters that flow from the mountains, and the fragrance of the white grapes, with intense but measured notes of fruit.
Even if these Grappas are excellent when aged for a long time in wooden barrels, they offer their best for tasting when new.
