6 Terms Every Bolzano Visitor Should Know

Anyone visiting Bolzano Bozen will quickly encounter wine, and with it, some typical South Tyrolean terms. These six will help you better understand local wine culture and navigate wine lists and conversations:

Pergola
A traditional vine training system where shoots grow over a framework, creating a shaded canopy. This method is widespread in South Tyrol and shapes the landscape.

Kretzer
A rosé wine mainly made from the native Lagrein grape. It features a light to deep red color, fruity aromas (cherry, berries), and a fresh character. The grape’s high pigment content colors the juice even with minimal skin contact.

Vernatsch (Schiava)
One of South Tyrol’s best-known native grape varieties. Wines such as St. Magdalener are typically light, fruity, and easy to drink.

Umbrella Brand (South Tyrol)
The South Tyrol umbrella brand positions the region as a unified origin and quality area, ensuring a positive image in tourism and local products. It guarantees high production standards and acts as a unifying element.

DOC
Stands for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata.” This Italian designation sets strict rules for cultivation, yield, and production, and is an important quality label.

Schabigen
A local term referring to the manual removal of excess shoots from vines in spring. This labor-intensive process usually takes place in May or June, when shoots are about 10–30 cm long.

Image: Castel Mareccio-Schloss Maretsch, Courtesy Bolzano Bozen Tourism Board