The jagged rocks of the Dolomites stand out starkly against the green Alpine meadows, name signs are there in Italian and German, fresh wines packed with flavour in the glasses and plates of both pasta and speck are served; in South Tyrol, Austria and Italy come together in a quirky region. WINELIFE selected six culinary to do's - from starred restaurants to game picking - that are worth a look.
- TEXT KATJA BROKKE | IMAGE SHUTTERSTOCK
The good life of South Tyrol
Until World War I, the northern Italian region of South Tyrol belonged to Austria, and it shows. For example, in the typical wooden mountain houses where colourful collections of geraniums decorate the balconies. The languages of communication are Italian and German, and here and there the endemic language Ladin is still spoken. But make no mistake: South Tyrol is autonomous and its inhabitants feel neither Italian nor Austrian. They have a local government with its own laws and a tax system that seems to work well, because the province is prosperous. Here you won't encounter bumpy tarmac roads, dilapidated houses or shacks.
If you like the Alps, good food and excellent wines, this is the place to be. The air is clean and fresh, the meadows are green or thickly packed with a layer of snow, and a little further south, the Mediterranean and mountain life come together harmoniously. And within this special ecosystem, grapes flourish. I was curious about the most beautiful places in South Tyrol and visited some special addresses. What is the oldest winery? Where does the most outspoken chef cook? Where do you sleep among the vineyards or have the most beautiful view from your bed? I can firmly reveal that South Tyrol did not disappoint me. Quite the contrary!
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Curious to find out more about South Tyrol? You can read about it in Winelife edition 73. Order this one here!
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