Trentino–Alto Adige is an autonomous, bi-lingual region of northern Italy whose two constituent parts–the almost entirely Italian-speaking Trentino in the south and the German-speaking Alto Adige or Süd-Tirol (South Tyrol) in the north– reflect post-World War One boundary re-drawing of what until 1919 had been a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire . Süd-Tirol was ceded to Italy from what is now Austria.

The main river traversing the region, the Adige (Italian-speaking) or Etsch (German-speaking) is fed by Alpine snowmelt. The valleys formed by the Adige river and its tributaries are home to almost all of the region’s vineyards.

In 1839 the first evidence of the Etruscans was found, indicating that the area was already growing grapes since pre-Roman times. In 1874 the Agrarian Institute of San Michele was founded; over the years it became the real engine and drive towards continuous improvement of the quality of wines from Trentino.

Native grapes: Reds: Enantio. | Lagrein.| Marzemino. | Moscato Rosa. | Schiava group . | Teroldego (Ian D’Agata, 2014, p.xiv-xv). | Whites: Moscato Giallo, Nosiola (Ian D’Agata, 2014, pxiv-xv).

Wines: Alto Adige DOC Bianco. | Alto Adige DOC Rosso. | Vallagarina DOC.