Sip Into Autumn With the Wines of the Italian Alps; Unpredictable Temperatures Call for the Reds of Alto Adige

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Aug 10, 2012) -  As the summer winds down and the first signs of fall appear, the weather cannot be predicted any better than can the autumn colors of today's green leaves. Though today the hot sun might prompt a day out by the pool, by tomorrow cool breezes could render sweaters and scarves necessary. How to please the palate regardless of the impending forecast? Look no further than the Italian Alps, where Italy's northernmost winegrowing region produces red wines that quench your thirst in temperatures both hot & cool. This fall, stay one step ahead of the weather report with reds from Alto Adige.

Located on Italian soil between Austria and Switzerland, the region of Alto Adige is home to a diversity of climate and elevation necessary to create a wide range of high-quality wines that satisfy in any weather. Nestled along the south side of the Dolomite Mountains, vineyards are located from steep hillsides to lower-altitude, Mediterranean-like areas. A combination of cool Alpine breezes, heat from over 300 days of sunshine per year, and wide day-night temperature swings results in perfectly ripened grapes that produce elegant, aromatic wines expressing typical varietal character.

Whether it's time to open a bottle at a late summer gathering or simply enjoy a glass on the first of many cool fall nights, turn to the reds of Alto Adige for all occasions this season. Be prepared for any weather with indigenous varietals of the Italian Alps - Schiava, a light red, juicy wine with lively acidity, or Lagrein, a velvety, medium-bodied red with flavors of fresh cherries & violets. If the temperature suddenly rises, lightly chill either & let the taste of the brisk Alpine air take an edge off the unexpected heat. Or if the palate is craving something rich & aromatically intense, pour a glass of Pinot Nero from Alto Adige -- well-structured, the wine captures the flavors of autumn, with notes of dark berries & spice.

So as trips to the beach are traded for outings to the orchard, there's no need to fret over which wine should accompany autumn festivities. Forget the forecast; all reports indicate the wines of Alto Adige will satisfy tastes all season long.

ALTO ADIGE / SÜDTIROL WINE MARKETING BOARD
The Alto Adige Wine Board was formed in 1975 by a group of winemaking companies to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. The promotion fund is administered by the Export Organization South Tyrol (EOS) of the Chamber of Commerce Bolzano together with the Consortium of Alto Adige Wines. The Alto Adige Wine Board is active in Italy, Germany, Austria, England, Benelux, Switzerland and in the United States.

ALTO ADIGE WINES PROVINUS US MARKETING CAMPAIGN
The objectives of the PROVINUS campaign, co-financed by the Italian State and the European Union, are to increase overall awareness of the DOC wines from Alto Adige, demonstrate their versatility with a wide range of foods, and showcase the diverse palette of wines that emanate from such a unique winegrowing region.