Alto Adige, also known as Südtirol, is a northern Italian wine region located in the foothills of the Alps, bordering Austria and Switzerland. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, high-altitude vineyards, and bilingual culture (Italian and German), Alto Adige blends Central European precision with Italian elegance. The region benefits from a unique combination of cool alpine air and warm Mediterranean sunshine, which allows for slow, even grape ripening and wines with vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity. The region is especially renowned for its white wines, which make up the majority of production. Key varieties include Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer (which likely originated here), Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Bianco, all of which thrive in the cooler climate and yield crisp, focused, and expressive wines. Alto Adige also produces elegant reds, particularly Lagrein, a native grape known for its deep color and earthy, dark-fruited profile, and Schiava (Vernatsch), a lighter, aromatic red often enjoyed young. Alto Adige is organized into several subzones and communes, but much of the wine is labeled under the broader Alto Adige DOC. The region is also known for its lofty standards of viticulture and sustainability, with many small, quality-focused producers and cooperative wineries crafting wines of precision and terroir expression.