Cantina Girlan: A Century of Excellence in Alto Adige Winemaking
Founded in 1923, Cantina Girlan is a prestigious cooperative winery located in the historic village of Cornaiano, in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy. Originally formed by 24 winegrowers, today, 200 families contribute to the cultivation of approximately 230 hectares of vineyards. These vineyards, located in the prized areas of Oltradige and Bassa Atesina, are known for their ideal terroirs, sitting at altitudes between 450 and 500 meters above sea level.
Renowned Terroir and Varietals
Cantina Girlan’s unique vineyards benefit from a diverse range of soil compositions, including volcanic porphyry, clay, and limestone. This rich soil diversity, along with the region’s favorable climate, allows the winery to produce exceptional wines from a variety of grape types. The winery is especially recognized for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco, which thrive in the prestigious Mazon and Gschleier vineyards.
Girlan also cultivates Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch (Schiava), and Lagrein, each benefiting from the region’s cool mountain air and long growing season. The winery’s flagship Pinot Noir, the Trattmann Pinot Noir Riserva, consistently earns critical acclaim, including the 3 Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for over 12 consecutive years.
Sustainability and Biodynamic Practices
Cantina Girlan follows sustainable farming practices, focusing on biodynamic principles that promote soil health and biodiversity. All grapes are hand-harvested and processed with great care to preserve the integrity of each variety. The winery employs state-of-the-art technology in its winemaking process, housed within a historic 16th-century farmstead. This blend of traditional methods and modern innovation results in wines that express the full potential of their terroir.
Award-Winning Wines and Global Recognition
The wines of Cantina Girlan are classified as DOC Alto Adige and are recognized for their complexity, elegance, and distinct minerality. In addition to the Trattmann Pinot Noir, the Gschleier Alte Reben Vernatsch and Vigna Ganger Pinot Noir have also garnered international awards, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarding the latter an impressive 96+ points.
Cantina Girlan produces wines across three distinct lines—Selezioni, Vigneti, and Classici—each representing a different level of terroir expression and winemaking craftsmanship. Whether enjoying a Pinot Bianco from the Classici line or a Pinot Noir Riserva from the Selezioni series, each bottle reflects Girlan’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Visit Cantina Girlan
For visitors to Alto Adige, Cantina Girlan offers personalized wine tours and tastings, providing a unique opportunity to explore the winery’s labyrinthine cellar and taste its exceptional wines. The winery’s tasting room is designed to welcome wine enthusiasts, offering insights into the estate’s rich history and modern winemaking techniques.
