The Mediterranean climate of Lake Garda allows even late-ripening grapes to thrive among the cool mountains. This is because during the growing season the Adige valley, protected by the high mountain flanks, acts like a gigantic warm air channel in which the air of the Mediterranean circulates to the north. And also the geological conditions, i.e. the stony soils, are favorable for the wine quality.
The vineyards are almost always located at the foot of the steeply rising Alps and can sometimes be quite steep. Trentino can boast a fairly wide range of grape varieties. Fresh and lively fruity white wines are made from the varieties Müller-Thurgau, Riesling Italico, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and from international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Among the red wines, besides the local Vernatsch and Lagrein, there are also international varieties such as Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The latter two are also often cuvéed, and outstanding qualities are also aged in barriques. A particular specialty is Teroldego Rotaliano on the plateau of the same name in the north of the region, which grows on poor gravelly soil. Trentino is also a center of quite outstanding sparkling wine production at champagne level.
