Caldaro

Alto Adige

About the Winery

CANTINA DI CALDARO is one of the most important high-quality wine producers in Alto Adige, renown for producing classicly-styled, yet accessibly-priced wines made from grapes in the vineyards surrounding Lake Caldaro, which is just outside Bolzano. Since 1906, the winery has functioned as a cooperative. The vineyards are almost entirely worked by hand with strict guidelines established by the members and supervised by the cellar master. The wines owe their bright and pure aromas, near-perfect balance on the palate, and fresh acidity to their mountainside origins.

Alto Adige

Positioned right below Austria at the tiptop of Italy, Alto Adige lies in a Y shaped glacial valley. Before airplanes, this little valley used to be the main passage between Italy and the rest of Europe. Because of its position as a gateway to Italy, Alto Adige was the focal point of conquests ranging from the ancient Romans to the Nazi regime. It became part of Italy in 1919 and there are up to three official languages: Italian, German and Latin. Vineyards in Alto Adige creep up the sides of glacial valleys in horizontal rows. The winery estates here are commonly called Schloss which is the German word for castle or chateau. Alto Adige is quite tiny at only 13,000 acres, but the region varies enough to have 7 distinct growing sub-regions.

Vineyard(s)

Among Caldaro's many vineyards, there are some very special sites. They have evolved over time and are pre-destined for certain varieties and for outstanding wines. They are sites that are worked on a sustainable basis, in some cases on organic or biodynamic lines, and with a consistent focus on quality. In the field of biodynamic viticulture, Caldaro is a pioneer for the whole of Alto Adige. A group of members and innovators are already cultivating more than 15 hectares of land based on this special form of organic viticulture, doing groundbreaking work. In the cellar, too, these grapes are processed according to the principles laid down by Rudolf Steiner. And all of Caldaro's growers avoid the use of herbicides.

Ratings & Reviews

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2023

91

Light, zippy, fresh and very dry with notes of lemon gelato, apricot tart, almond croissant and sea salt.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2022

91

Scents of white peach, pear and delicate floral hints lift from the glass of this wine. A refreshing crisp and vibrant energy drives the palate with invigorating acidity that hints at flavors of lemon peel and green apple skin on the soft and rolling finish.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2021

89

The 2021 Pinot Grigio is understated in the glass with fresh pear and white flower nuances. It soothes with its round textures and ripe orchard fruits contrasted with lemon zest. This cleans up nicely through the finish, leaving a bitter twang of ginger to carry on.
Drinking window: 2023-2025

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Nero 2021

89

This light and refreshing Blauburgunder (aka Pinot Noir) has aromas of cranberry and tart strawberries with loads of freshly cut flowers and fresh herbs. The palate is bright with vibrant acidity showing flavors of pomegranate, sour cherry and black tea giving the wine a subtle and pleasing bitter note with fine tannins.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2019

90

Light yellow with a light touch of petulance; aromas of fresh golden apple, Bosc pear and geranium. Medium-bodied, with very good ripeness, freshness and acidity. Well balanced and flavorful with notable varietal purity. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2018

87

Best Buy-This is light and spritzy, with hints of green herbs and brown spices accenting the wine’s pear flavors. Enotec Imports, Denver, CO

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2022

91

Light, tangy, crisp and dry with notes of pink grapefruit, lime zest and salted almond.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Nero 2022

89

This Pinot Noir shows the more earth-driven side of the grape with aromas of turned earth, dried herbs, leaves and porcini with hints of dried cherries in the background. Elegant with a rounded texture on the palate, the wine gives a masterclass on umami. Paired with earthy and savory flavors, your meal will be complete.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Nero 2021

88

The 2021 Pinot Nero displays vivid roses, wild strawberries and mint. It's soft and cool-toned in feel with ripe red fruits and pretty inner florals. Licorice and blueberry notes resonate through the lip-smacking finale.
Drinking window: 2023-2025

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2019

89

The 2019 Kellerei Kaltern Pinot Grigio is packed with mineral intensity, further opening to reveal notes of ripe pear and dusty florals. There’s a decidedly salty character here mixing with brisk acids, making for a high-energy and tension-filled performance. Its fruit comes forward a bit late in the game; but once it does, you’ll find a pretty, ripe and honied display of ripe apple and melon. It’s a wine of contrast which provides a lot of pleasure.

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Nero 2019

89

The 2019 Kaltern Blauburgunder Pinot Nero is wonderfully fresh and vibrant, like a dollop of strawberry preserves offset by hints of savory herbs and undergrowth. Soft and pure, it displays ripe red fruits, propelled by a core of minerals and juicy acids, making for an energetic and pleasing expression. Hints of sweet spice and pretty florals linger on the long and refreshing finish

Caldaro

Heading 1

Pinot Grigio 2018

90

A bright and citrusy pinot grigio with green apples and pear drops. Light to medium in body, punctuated by bright, herbal character and lemony undertones.