The region is divided into two distinct districts:
Trentino and Alto-Adige. Alto-Adige is the northern area with the
river second-largest river in Italy, Adige flowing from the Austrian
Alps. This was the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I and German
is still the predominant language and is reflected in the wine styles
and wine labels. The southern region, Trentino, is primarily Italian
speaking and produces a few reds, notably, Teroldego, but is known
for its whites; Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon
Blanc. Most of the wine produced in Trentino-Alto Adige is varietal.
Approximately 50-60 percent of the region's wine
is marked with DOC status and twelve DOCs make up the area. More recently,
the region has been placing special efforts in making sparkling wines
and has joined other producers in making notable classical-method
sparkling wine.
