Kaltern

Alto Adige

About the Winery

Cantina Kaltern is one of the principal wineries of Alto Adige, and the town of Kaltern itself is proud of its reputation as the most popular and best-known wine village in the region. In Kaltern, village life revolves around wine. Wine is the mission in life for many people there, one that they pursue with great passion be it in the vineyard, in the cellar, in restaurants and bars, or in retail. What makes this village on the shores of Alto Adige's largest natural lake, and its wine, so unique is the community behind it the spirit, the euphoria, and the shared aspiration to draw the attention of the whole world to the wine, the village and to the natural beauty of Kaltern.

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 Schlos 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 Kaltern'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, Kellerei Kaltern 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 Kaltern's wine growers avoid the use of herbicides.

Ratings & Reviews

Title	Item	Vintage	Score	Review
Kaltern	Pinot Grigio 2024	2024	92	Where I live in DC, spring arrived very suddenly after a long and wild winter – one that could make anyone turn their attention to wines noted for freshness and verve. Pinot Grigio is certainly in that category, but it is also true that most renditions offer nothing but freshness, with almost no depth of flavor and no persistent and pleasing aftertaste. This wine has offered an exception in every vintage I’ve tasted for more than a decade. Although the 2025 vintage will presumably be arriving shortly, the 2024 still tastes exceptionally good, and may well be less expensive on account of tariffs. The fruit notes recall ripe Golden apples as well as autumn pears, with excellent palate weight that is balanced out by notable but not overly tart acidity. Kaltern is one of Alto Adige’s exceptional co-op wineries, and virtually everything they turn out is excellent in every vintage. Remember this producer.
Kaltern	Chardonnay 2023	2023	91	Round orchard fruits take the lead, with a hint of melon adding a juicy touch. The texture is engaging, with a mineral edge that adds a lively contrast. A solid core of mixed fruits, reminiscent of a vibrant fruit salad, keeps the flavors dynamic, while a tart finish pops with energy.
Kaltern	Pinot Grigio 'Soll' 2023	2023	88	Driven by green fruits like tart apple and under-ripe pear, this Pinot Grigio is bright and refreshing. The palate is crisp, with lively acidity and a crunchy finish that keeps it fresh and energetic, though slightly lean at the end. Pair it with a citrusy arugula salad or grilled seafood.
Kaltern	Pinot Nero 2023	2023	88	Aromas of candied Bing cherries, cinnamon, and a hint of forest floor grace the nose. The palate reveals ripe red cherries and a touch of nutmeg, wrapped in fine, silky tannins. The fruit is polished and pristine, yielding an easy and forward wine that can be the go to wine for most any occasion.