Santa Maddalena: South Tyrol’s sun-kissed red rooted in tradition
Amid the gentle hills at the foot of the Renon above Bolzano, one of South Tyrol’s most authentic and beloved wines is born: Santa Maddalena (in German St. Magdalener).
Produced in the hamlets of Santa Maddalena, Santa Giustina, Rencio, Signato, San Pietro, and Coste, this red wine is deeply tied to its terroir and to the farming wisdom that has safeguarded its tradition for centuries.
A historic grape with a modern taste
Santa Maddalena is made primarily from Schiava (Vernatsch), grown between 200 and 700 meters a.s.l. on well-drained sandy soils—ideal for enhancing the grape’s aromatic qualities. Structure and depth come from adding a small percentage of Lagrein or Pinot Noir, enriching its sensory profile.
The result is an aromatic, supple red with notes of ripe cherry, violet, and a delicate hint of almond, recognizable on both nose and palate.
Distinctive characteristics
- Alcohol content: minimum 11.5%
- Color: ruby red that, with age, can shift toward brick hues
- Bouquet: fragrant, with floral and fruity nuances
- Body: medium, velvety
Santa Maddalena is versatile at the table: it pairs beautifully with roasted meats, white-meat roasts, stews, and even spit-roasted small game. It’s the perfect wine for those seeking elegance without giving up the warmth of tradition.
The climate that makes the difference
What truly sets Santa Maddalena apart is the area’s favorable microclimate:
- Sun exposure: predominantly South, South-East, and South-West
- Slope: between 30% and 60%
- Hours of light per year: about 1,750
- Rainy days: around 80 per year
- Average humidity: 59.3%
In addition, constant breezes sweeping the vineyards help keep the grapes healthy, encouraging balanced ripening and an aromatic concentration that shows in the glass.
Santa Maddalena: A wine that tells its land’s story
Santa Maddalena — a story in a bottle. This wine captures the landscape that shapes it, the hands that craft it, and the sun that ripens it. Every sip is a journey through sloping vineyards, historic farmsteads and sun-drenched hillsides, through South Tyrolean tradition and identity. If you truly want to know the soul of this land, start with a glass of Santa Maddalena.
