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Trentino Native Vines – Second Part
Rosa D'Ancona – April 15, 2005

	Nosiola
	Teroldego
	Marzemino
	Lagrein
	Enantio
	Schiava

Native White Vines

Nosiola
This white grape vine is the one that has been cultivated in the Trentino region for the longest time. In addition to being well known as a varietal wine, the grape is famous for the grappa and Vin Santo dessert wine produced with it.

It is believed that its name derives from the dialect word Nosela, which define the local variety of wild hazelnut, because of the pervasive hazelnut aroma of the wine. This variety is cultivated mostly in the Valle dei Laghi (Valley of the Lakes) and, more sparsely, in the hills surrounding Pressano.

Native Red Vines

Teroldego
According to an ancient legend, the name of this vine derives from Tiroler Gold, or Gold from Tirolo Area, as the wine made with its grape was called at the court of Vienna. Currently it is cultivated in the Piana Rotaliana (Rotaliana Plain), that is, the area which encompasses the towns of Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo. The varietal wine has strong character, though it is strongly fruit forward. The use of the grapes in the production of Vino Novello produces interesting results.

Marzemino
This vine is typical of the Vallagarina area, in particular of the zones around the towns of Isera and Volano. It takes the name from the village of Marzemin, in the Carinzia region, from where the soldiers of the ancient Venetian Republic imported the vine. It produces a young, brilliant wine, whose color intensity and freshness are somewhat surprising.

Lagrein
Currently this vine native of the Alto Adige part of the region is the subject of a lot of interest. Documents dating back to the 17th century, preserved in the Benedictine monastery of Muri, near Bolzano, mention this grape variety. The wine has ruby red color, good body, and to the palate is sapid.

Enantio
This variety, cultivated in the area known as Terra dei Forti (Land of the Forts), or the zone between the town of Ala and the Rivalta barrier, is over 1,000 years old. In fact, this grape is mentioned in published works by Plinius and Bacci.

In the past it was used exclusively in blends, however, thanks to its exposure and promotional campaigns, it is currently used to produce appreciated varietal wines. The wine has strong body, it's lightly spiced and the color is intense ruby red.

Schiava
More than a vine, this should be defined a varietal family, which includes the Schiava Gentile (Kind Slave), Schiava Grossa (Big Slave), and Schiava Grigia (Gray Slave).

Mentioned already in works published in the 14th century, the name of this vine is believed to derive from a particular cultivation system, which required intense pruning to obtain higher quality grapes. For this reason the variety was called viti sclave, or schiave (slave vines).

The wine produced with its grapes is ruby red in color, with a fruity, characteristic scent, soft flavor with light notes reminiscent of almonds.

Outstanding Producers of DOC and IGT Wines

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