Kellerei / Cantina Terlan

Kellerei Terlan: an iconic winery in Alto Adige

Kellerei Terlan, located in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, is one of the country's most prestigious and respected wineries. The winery has a rich history dating back more than 120 years, and has become famous for its exceptional wines and focus on both tradition and modern winemaking techniques. Located in the picturesque village of Terlan, halfway between Merano and Bolzano, this winery offers a perfect balance of centuries-old knowledge and innovative practices.

The history of Kellerei Terlan begins in 1893, when 24 local vintners decided to band together to join forces and improve vineyard production. The idea was to unite the forces of farmers and collectively increase the quality of their wines. This initiative led to the establishment of the cooperative cellar, which grew into one of the most famous wineries in South Tyrol.

The region around Terlan has a centuries-long winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times. It is an area known for its ideal conditions for growing grapes, with a perfect climate and geology. This long history has allowed the winery to refine the art of winemaking and become recognized worldwide for its top-quality wines.

The white wines from Terlano do not simply grow in very special, unique locations but - in the true sense of the word - are rooted there

Complex terroir full of potential

Kellerei Terlan is located in a unique terroir, with vineyards stretching across the slopes of Monte Tschöggl. The region is famous for its geology, which is rich in porphyry, a type of rock that provides grape plants with important minerals. This geological profile influences the flavor of the wines, which are often characterized by fresh minerality and complexity. The vineyards are at different altitudes, creating a favorable microclimate, combining the cool, alpine climate of the mountains with the Mediterranean character of the valley. This ensures a large temperature difference between day and night, which is essential for the development of aromatic and well-balanced wines.

The combination of mineral-rich soils, an ideal climate and the high altitude of the vineyards makes Terlan one of the best places for growing white grapes in South Tyrol. The use of these exceptional natural resources allows the winery to produce world-class wines, with a focus on both local and international grape varieties.

Kellerei Terlan is best known for its white wines, which make up about 70% of their production. The vineyards are devoted primarily to native grape varieties such as Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as red varieties such as Pinot Noir and Merlot. Terlan's wines have received worldwide recognition for their outstanding quality and elegance.

"Pinot Bianco has always been one of the most important wines at Cantina Terlano; it lends powerful expression to the terroir where our grapes mature. As a varietal, the delicate and above all mineral Pinot Bianco, is a hallmark of the winery."
Rudi Kofler

The challenge of different heights

The big challenge with such a wide range of altitudes is undoubtedly the right choice of grape varieties. Terlano has a huge advantage in that the lower valley areas are reserved for apples, while grapes are grown only on the higher levels, which are so favorable for excellent wines. Both red and white varieties are grown at 250-400 meters above sea level, while the higher altitudes of 400 to 900 meters are reserved for white wine.

Liquid library

One of the secrets at Cantina Terlano is the Wine Archive. Some 13 meters underground is a valuable store of about 100,000 wines of every vintage from 1955 to the present, plus a few that are even older.

What began as an experiment by our former winemaker Sebastian Stocker, who quietly set aside 500 bottles of each vintage to test whether his theory about the longevity of Terlano wines was correct, is now Terlano's best-kept treasure. The white wines, some over fifty years old, continue to amaze wine professionals with their stunning freshness, fine acidity and absolutely flawless aroma. This makes them highly sought after by leading sommeliers in the most exclusive restaurants.

The Wine Archive is often compared to a library: it serves not only to preserve the vintages, but is also a collection with which comparisons can be made. The collection is now used to study developments in wine and winemaking and to get a better sense of the essence and nature of wine. Terlano's oldest bottle, by the way, dates back to 1893, the year the winery was founded. Whether and on what occasion that bottle is opened remains one of those little secrets.

MAIN DISTRIBUTOR FOR BELGIUM!