Lake Caldaro, Kalterer See in German, is a stretch of water among the vineyards of the Oltradige, south of Bolzano. Around it grows one of the most typical reds of Trentino-Alto Adige: a light, fragrant wine to drink cool. The appellation, recognised in 1970, extends across the provinces of Bolzano and Trento, with about 285 hectares of vineyard and an output of 16,300 hectolitres.
The realm of Schiava
The regulations require at least 85% Schiava, in its Gentile, Grigia and Grossa varieties; the rest may come from other red grapes, often Lagrein, which adds colour and structure. Minimum alcohol is 10.5% and no minimum ageing is required. Besides the Rosso there is the Scelto, or Auslese, from selected, riper grapes.
Classico and Superiore
The Classico zone includes the municipalities of Appiano, Bronzolo, Caldaro, Cortaccia, Egna, Montagna, Ora, Termeno and Vadena, on the hills closest to the lake. Only here may the Superiore be produced. It is the historic heart of the appellation, with pergola vineyards sloping down to the water.
In the glass Lago di Caldaro is a light ruby red, almost transparent. It smells of cherry, raspberry, violet and almond; on the palate it is soft, with little tannin and pleasant freshness. It is served slightly chilled.
An ancient history
Vines were already grown around the lake in the sixth century BC, and the local wine was appreciated in imperial Rome. In the Middle Ages nobles, bishops and monks carried it to Austria and southern Germany. From the early twentieth century cooperative wineries and estates made viticulture a central resource for the area. At the table it goes with speck, canederli dumplings, white meats, trout and mountain cheeses: it is the red of the South Tyrolean afternoon snack.
