Our cooperative is one big family. It has 530 members, or wine growers, most of whom own less than one hectare of land – on average 0.7 ha (the size of a football pitch). They are wine growers out of passion and mostly earn a living in other occupations. They manage their historical holdings and old established vineyards with great enthusiasm. Caldaro owes much of its picturesque beauty to them.
Working and living together – harvest time is a good example: In autumn, all the members of the family, young and old, come to harvest the grapes, moving together from vine to vine and from row to row in order to pick every single grape by hand. At the end of the day, there is always time for everyone to have a meal together, enjoy themselves, and raise their glasses to the work done.
It is a special way of life at Lake Kaltern, characterized by the family spirit, joint work, efforts, and successes. You can taste all of this when you enjoy our wines.
When I was still employed, I spent many weekends in the vineyard and saw it as a kind of balance to my main job. Today, I spread the work out over the week, and I love to see the vines developing from day to day. My vineyard is also my capital, and thanks to the cooperative system and the good prices I get, it provides me with a good annual income.
The vineyards surrounding Lake Kaltern provide ideal conditions for cultivating a wide variety of red and white grape varieties. Kaltern is renowned for its rich diversity of wines, but five grape varieties stand out in particular. These varieties embody the terroir and winemaking tradition of the region in an exceptional way, producing outstanding wines year after year. Each has a long history in Alto Adige and benefits from the unique soil composition, mild climate, and the deep expertise of our winemaking families.
Weißburgunder . Chardonnay . Sauvignon . Schiava (Kalterersee) . Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Bianco is one of Alto Adige’s most important white grape varieties. It was introduced to the region in 1852 by Archduke Johann of Austria and quickly established itself as a variety that thrives in the local climate. Thanks to the high-altitude vineyards and the region’s distinctive climatic conditions, Alto Adige Pinot Bianco is recognized by experts as one of the finest expressions of this grape worldwide. It is known for its freshness and elegance, with delicate aromas of apple, pear, and quince, complemented by a lively acidity that enhances its crisp character.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most versatile and widely planted grape varieties. It has been cultivated in Alto Adige for around 150 years and was initially often mistaken for Pinot Bianco due to the visual similarity of the vines. Over time, it became recognized as a distinct variety and found ideal growing conditions in the region. Alto Adige Chardonnay stands out for its elegance and aromatic complexity, featuring notes of citrus, apple, pear, pineapple, and banana, with subtle vanilla undertones in barrel-aged versions. It is an incredibly versatile wine, ideal both as an aperitif and as a refined food companion.
Sauvignon Blanc was introduced to Alto Adige in the late 19th century and has since become one of the region’s most celebrated grape varieties. Unlike other imported varieties, Sauvignon adapted exceptionally well to the local climate, where warm days and cool nights help develop its intense aromas. It is characterized by vibrant notes of elderflower, gooseberry, and exotic fruits, combined with pronounced minerality and refreshing acidity, making it an expressive and distinctive wine.
Schiava (or Vernatsch) is Alto Adige’s signature indigenous grape variety and is at the heart of our winemaking tradition. The name Kalterersee refers not only to the lake that defines our region but also to the wine made from Schiava grapes grown in the surrounding vineyards. This variety produces light, fruit-driven wines with aromas of cherry and raspberry, complemented by a delicate hint of bitter almond. On the palate, it is smooth and velvety, offering a delightful drinking experience that perfectly captures the laid-back lifestyle of Lake Kaltern.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most noble and prestigious grape varieties in the world and has a long-standing tradition in Alto Adige. Thanks to the warm exposures of the vineyards around Lake Kaltern, the grapes achieve full ripeness, producing structured and complex wines. Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by its deep ruby-red color and intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe cherry, with elegant spicy notes and a touch of chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, lingering finish that highlights its sophistication.
