Kaltern’s local terroir imparts unique characteristics to the grapes
Cantina Kaltern’s Quintessenz Sauvignon © Alex Filz
Kaltern is renowned for its Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer grapes
In Alto Adige, the mountains are never simply a backdrop. They shape the vineyards, influence the climate and leave a clear signature on the wines. Warm days, cool nights and rapidly changing elevations create the conditions for wines defined by freshness, precision and elegance.
At the heart of this landscape lies Kaltern, one of Alto Adige’s best-known wine villages. Vineyards stretch from the shores of Lake Kaltern up towards the Mendola mountain range, reaching elevations of around 750 metres. This is home to Cantina Kaltern, whose story has been shaped by local winegrowing families for more than 125 years. Today, more than 520 families continue this tradition, combining generations of experience with an intimate knowledge of the land.
Above & Featured: Kaltern’s local microclimate plays a big part in the flavour profile of the wines © Manni Pernthaler
The local microclimate is influenced by both Lake Kaltern and the Mendola massif. The lake moderates temperatures in the lower vineyards, while the surrounding mountains and higher elevations bring cooler air and pronounced day-to-night temperature shifts. Together with warm influences from the south, this creates a natural balance between ripeness and Alpine freshness.
This is especially evident in the region’s white wines. Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay gain freshness, structure and mineral definition from cooler, higher vineyard sites, while Pinot Grigio, one of Alto Adige’s most internationally recognised varieties, combines freshness with a clear, elegant style. Sauvignon brings a more expressive, semi-aromatic character, while Gewürztraminer—deeply rooted in Alto Adige—adds its distinctive floral and spicy intensity.
Schiava grapes are traditionally grown on the pergola system in Kaltern © Manni Pernthaler
Among the reds, Schiava and Pinot Nero stand out for very different reasons. Schiava, traditionally grown on the pergola system and closely linked to Kaltern and Lake Kaltern, represents the historic soul of the area with its finesse, freshness and delicate tannins. Pinot Nero, one of the world’s most demanding red varieties, shows another side of Alto Adige, combining elegance, precision and complexity in the region’s cooler sites.
This is the style Cantina Kaltern has developed over generations: wines shaped by altitude, climate and place, but above all by the people who know these vineyards intimately. Freshness, elegance and origin are the common thread—from the mineral-driven whites of the higher slopes to the finesse of Schiava and Pinot Nero.
Cantina Kaltern’s cellar © Alex Filz
Cantina Kaltern makes both white and red wines © Alex Filz
Cantina Kaltern’s winery © Alex Filz
To find out more about Cantina Kaltern, visit the links below:
Cantina Kaltern
Via Cantine 12
I-39052 Caldaro
Alto Adige
Web: kellereikaltern.com
Tel: +39 0471 963 149
Email: info@kellereikaltern.com
Online Shop: shop.kellereikaltern.com
Instagram: @cantinakaltern
Facebook: @cantinakaltern