The Eisacktal valley: the origin of distinctive white wines
The small white wine-growing region is one of the best in Italy
Fruity, juicy and mineral white wines ripen on the vineyards between Vahrn/Varna and Ritten/Renon. The wine-growing sites, some of which cover elaborate dry stone wall terraces, are located between 400 and 850 metres above sea level. The strong sunlight and good ventilation in the valley help give these wines their dry astringency and attractive pithiness. Similarly, the large difference in temperature between hot days and cool nights affects the mineral character of the wines.
The entire production is currently processed and marketed by 20 businesses – including 18 innovative self-wine cellarers who call themselves ‘independent winegrowers’. The Eisacktaler Kellerei winery, a cooperative with 130 members, is the largest, and the Stiftskellerei Neustift winery, with its almost 875-year history, is the most traditional winery in the valley. You can taste and buy the fine wines both directly from the producer and at one of the vinotheques in Brixen and Klausen/Chiusa.