The province of Trentino in northern Italy stretches east to west between Lombardy and Veneto. Most often, people refer to the broader Trentino-Alto Adige region. Trentino is the southern half of this area. The Adige River cuts through the region, flowing from the Alps toward the plains. DOC is the highest quality classification in the region. Trentino DOC wines may use over 20 different grape varieties. The most widely cultivated varieties in the Trentino-Alto Adige region are Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The Trentino DOC classification also includes several sub-appellations. In addition to these, there are a few IGP classifications in the Trentino-Alto Adige region—areas with protected geographical indication. The confusingly similar-sounding Trento DOC classification, on the other hand, applies only to quality sparkling wines produced in the region using the traditional method.
Mezzacorona
The producer called Mezzacorona is a cooperative of growers in Trentino-Alto Adige. Its story began in 1904, when 11 founding members decided to join forces and establish the company. Since then, the company has been known for its good reputation, efficiency, and constant quality improvement. As its reputation has grown over the years, so has its membership: currently, there are as many as 1,600 grower members. They manage vineyards totaling around 2,800 hectares.
Over the years, Mezzacorona has also done considerable work for the benefit of the entire Trentino region. In 1971, the Teroldego Rotaliano wine area received DOC quality status, and since then Mezzacorona has produced wine under this appellation as well. Facilities suitable for sparkling wine production were put into use in 1977. Since then, Rotari sparkling wines have been produced using the traditional bottle fermentation method.
THE winery! Mezzacorona has impressive facilities for winemaking. Photo: Mezzacorona.
Trentino – The Perfect Place
Trentino in northern Italy is an example of a region with many different growing conditions. It can be called a sub-Mediterranean zone. There, the Alpine mountain range includes the Dolomites. The mountain influence is felt in significant differences between day and night temperatures, which is beneficial for the wine's fresh acidity. Daytime temperatures also remain fairly moderate, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly and retain delicate aromatics.
In addition, both the region's lakes and the moderating influence of the Mediterranean play a role in the area's microclimates. In the Adige valley, mountain winds help keep excess moisture away, preventing issues like mold and producing high-quality grapes. Trentino's soil is largely rich in limestone or contains dolomite (where the limestone in the soil has become more magnesium-rich). These combinations of different microclimates and soils provide excellent conditions for growing many different types of grape varieties. Mezzacorona's agronomists are constantly helping growers select the most suitable varieties for each vineyard and soil type.
Mezzacorona on the map. Photo: Mezzacorona.
Vineyards
The vineyards are located in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested. The vineyards are 100% owned by cooperative members. Mezzacorona has used alternative pest control methods in its vineyards for 30 years.
Sustainable Winery
Operations are strongly aligned with sustainable development. Nearly all waste is recycled, with less than 2% going to mixed waste. The amount of waste produced decreased by as much as 56% between 2015 and 2019. 70% of the winery is located underground, so temperature and humidity remain ideal without much need for mechanical regulation. The company also wants to support local businesses in its procurement as much as possible: 40% of purchased materials come from companies in the Trentino region. The winery's lighting is entirely handled by energy-saving LED fixtures. Solar panels on the roof (278 units, 683 m2) heat up to 60,000 liters of water daily. Water used at the winery is biologically purified (equivalent to the usage of 20,000 people). Clean solar energy produces approximately 1,850 MWh of electricity annually (this amount would correspond to the carbon dioxide emissions of about 685 individual households). Sustainable development has been central to Mezzacorona for quite some time. They have done considerable work on the matter and invested over 11 million euros in improvements since 1995. Results have been achieved, and Mezzacorona received the SQNPI sustainability certification in 2016.
Solar panels produce a significant amount of electricity. Photo: Mezzacorona.
Sicilian Project
Gruppo Mezzacorona also produces wine in Sicily, on just under 1,000 hectares of cultivated land. Since the 2020 vintage, their entire Sicilian production has been certified organic. Wines from the southern sun are also made with the uncompromising Trentino mentality, with the goal of increasing quality year after year.
Host a small Trentino tasting with the products below! You can find Viikon Viini's handy printable A3-sized tasting mat here.
