Heritage:
Founded in 1893, Cantina Andriano holds the distinction of being Alto Adige’s oldest wine cooperative, established when local growers united to pool resources and elevate quality at a time of significant regional change. Over the decades, the winery has remained grower-owned, carefully refining its vineyard practices with a forward-thinking philosophy captured in its motto, “Tradition on the Move”, building a reputation for precision and site expression. A defining moment in its modern history came with the introduction of Tor di Lupo, the first Lagrein in Alto Adige to be aged in small oak casks—an innovation that reshaped expectations for the variety and cemented the estate’s role as a quiet pioneer within the region.
Terroir Summary:
In Andriano, a broad, south-facing stretch of the Adige Valley benefits from abundant sunshine and excellent air circulation, with warm, dry days balanced by cooling alpine influences that preserve freshness and aromatic lift; sheltered by the Gantkofel, the gently sloping vineyards overlook the river below and are rooted in a complex interplay of quartz porphyry, dolomite, and limestone soils, a combination that brings both mineral precision and layered depth to the wines.
Philosophy:
Cantina Andriano’s philosophy is rooted in expressing site through wines of power, elegance, and clarity, beginning in the vineyard with rigorous fruit selection and a strong emphasis on sustainable, environmentally conscious viticulture typical of Alto Adige, where integrated and low-impact practices are widely adopted. In the cellar, a measured, precision-led approach combines modern technology with sensitive handling to preserve varietal character and terroir definition. White wines form the core of production—around two-thirds of the portfolio—with a clear Burgundian influence evident in the estate’s Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, where careful use of small oak enhances texture and complexity while maintaining freshness and balance.
People:
With just 60 growers farming 80 hectares, Cantina Andriano remains one of Alto Adige’s smallest cooperatives, allowing for a highly focused, quality-driven approach. Since the 2008 merger with Cantina Terlano, vinification has taken place in a shared, state-of-the-art facility, while preserving the distinct identity of Andriano’s wines. Winemaking and vineyard management are overseen by Rudi Kofler, whose leadership—supported by an experienced cellar and viticultural team—has been instrumental in refining the estate’s style and consistency in recent years.
