Nestled in the Alps and Dolomite Mountains, Alto Adige borders Austria and Switzerland and is heavily influenced by its neighbours. Where most Italian regions will focus on distinctly Italian varieties, Alto Adige grows grapes more commonly found in its neighbour’s vineyards, such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. These grapes thrive in cooler, high-elevation terroir, and Alto Adige is one of the few regions in Italy that can provide these conditions. Pinot Grigio is a notable standout from the region. When grown in France (where it’s called Pinot Gris), the grape has a medium-bodied texture, light sweetness, and flavours of stone fruit; where the Alto Adige style is light-bodied and crisp, with citrusy flavours and a mineral-driven finish.