Alpine-Mediterranean climate
Vineyards, soils, and people form the foundation of the quality of our wines. The climatic conditions — shaped by cool northern currents and warm southern winds — give our wines structure, finesse, and longevity. Our winegrowers see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to care for the unique wine-growing region around Lake Kaltern, which has developed over centuries. Through honest, hands-on work and in harmony with nature, they help preserve the valuable natural and cultural landscape of the region.
From the cool slopes at the foot of the Mendola mountains to the sun-drenched vineyards around Lake Kaltern, the vineyards of Kaltern are as diverse as the people who cultivate them. While red varieties such as Vernatsch, Lagrein, Cabernet, and Merlot ripen in the warmer areas around the lake at approximately 250 meters above sea level, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir benefit from the cooler microclimates at higher altitudes of up to nearly 700 meters.
The microclimate in Caldaro is ideal for viticulture. At the various vineyard altitudes, the climatic conditions provide the perfect foundation for fruity, characterful white wines and elegant, well-aged red wines. On the slopes at the foot of the Mendola mountains, an alpine freshness prevails, which particularly benefits the white wines and creates a lively acidity.
The Mediterranean influence from the south, reinforced by warm winds such as the “Ora” from Lake Garda, brings mild temperatures and abundant sunshine. This warmth gives the grapes ripe aromas and a pleasant sweetness—perfect for elegant red wines with depth and finesse, grown around Lake Kaltern.
The diversity of the vineyards in Kaltern is reflected in the variety of soil compositions, which shape not only the vines but also the character of the wines. Two types of parent material play a central role: first, the porphyry rock, formed hundreds of millions of years ago through volcanic activity; and second, the limestone of the Mendola mountains, which originates from deposits of marine organisms such as shells and skeletons—remnants of a time when this region was still covered by a tropical sea.
During the ice ages, powerful glacier movements shaped the landscape. They deposited rock types from other regions through moraines and at the same time created the characteristic vineyard terraces at the foot of the Mendola mountains, which still define Caldaro today.
The resulting soils are as diverse as their origins, ranging from poor, skeletal soils to rich, loamy soils. Often, different soil types lie only a few dozen meters apart—providing a fascinating foundation for the region’s characterful wines.
For us, sustainability means far more than simply avoiding herbicides. As a cooperative winery, we aim to protect and preserve the habitat for people, animals, and plants. From pruning the vines to harvesting the grapes, our winemakers work with the utmost respect for the soil and care for their vineyards with dedication. Each year, our efforts are recognized through the FAIR’N GREEN sustainability certification.
