Cantina Andriano

In a wine region steeped in history, you know you’re onto something special when you encounter the oldest, the first of its kinds. Cantina Andriano (or Kellerei Andrian), founded in 1893, is the oldest cooperative of winemakers in Alto-Adige, an area which, more than most, is dominated by social cooperatives. Today Cantina Andriano produces fresh, fruity, and mineral white wines with elegance and complexity in their youth that make them fantastic value for money.

In this breath-taking part of the Italian Dolomites, the Adige river cuts through the mountains and forms a stunning plain and it is here we find the village of Andriano. On the eastern slopes of the river, the growers from Cantina Andriano cultivate a range of grape varieties that ripen beautifully thanks to the bright, temperate sunshine. Altitudes of up to 500m mean that the vineyards benefit from cool nights, even during the heat of summer when this area can be the warmest in Italy. These cool nights help the grapes to hold onto acidity and produce mouth-watering and textured wines. In this part of Alto-Adige, the Pinot Bianco white grape really comes into its own and Cantina Andriano’s Finado is a cracking example, offering orchard fruit, refreshing citrus zest and a moreish golden minerality, alongside a medium body and lingering, fruity finish. Look out also for other indigenous grapes that come into their own here, Müller Thurgau a softly aromatic variety, Pinot Grigio that packs a punch, and Lagrein, a mineral and forest-fruit-like, mountainous red variety that has gained many fans among sommeliers in recent times!

In 2008, Cantina Andriano was taken over by their neighbour Cantina Terlano and now their production is overseen by the expert Rudy Koffler from Terlano, so we’re certainly in safe hands! Styles are quite different though, with Cantina Andriano’s wines benefitting from a shorted lees acidity and brighter character.