Alto Adige White Wines That Beat the Summer Heat
- Dena Roché
- Jul 14
- 2 min read

As the Phoenix temperatures continually push past 115 this summer, I’m tackling what wine to serve, as most people might actually prefer water! Instead of turning wine back into water, I’ve found two thirst-quenching quaffers from the Alto Adige perfect for the dog days of summer.
Last year I visited Italy’s Alto Adige region. As wine has the power to pull you back into a memory, I’m instantly reminded of my time wine-tasting, hiking in the Dolomites and enjoying much-needed relaxation time in nature. The stunning region is dotted with wine co-ops and small producers crafting excellent high-altitude wine.
Local Varietals
One of the varietals synonymous with Alto Adige white wine is Kerner, an aromatic white grape born from the crossing of Trollinger and Riesling. I had the chance to taste the Aristos Kerner when I visited Eisactal Valle Isarco last year, and the managing director of the winery took me on a tour of their vineyard, located in a former cloistered monastery high above the winery.
Today I’m enjoying it again at home. The moment I pour the first glass, the aromatics are reaching out to draw me in. The nose is so pronounced I don’t even need to be near the glass to enjoy its intoxicating mix of honeysuckle, alpine flowers and stone fruit. The first sip of the crisp, high-acidity wine is refreshing after the heat of the day. It’s medium body with nice minerality, and I’m not disappointed that the aromas of the wine carry through to the taste. I paired it with a chicken dish, but it would be great with Asian cuisine or seafood too.

Non-Oaky Chardonnay
For all you ABC drinkers out there, I am confident that if you like other white varietals, you’d enjoy Erste Neue Chardonnay.
Instead of a heavy wine dripping with oak and butter, this 2023 vintage is a crisp, clean delight reflective of the mountainous terroir it comes from. For over a century, Erste Neue has hand-harvested its grapes on the precariously steep mountain slopes. Remembering the terraced vineyards I saw in the region, the wine feels like the prize you get when you scale a 14er here in the USA.
The aroma swirls with a mixture of tropical fruits and floral notes that make me think of lazy island summer days. On the palate, the wine is well balanced and refreshing. It would make a great addition to an aperitivo or with a crisp salad.

If you’re looking to beat the heat, these two Alto Adige gems will make for your perfect hot weather pour.
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