50 years of DOC South Tyrol

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50 years of DOC South Tyrol - The road to quality

Half a century ago, the DOC South Tyrol designation of origin was introduced and a significant milestone was set for South Tyrolean wine. With foresight and courage, those responsible decided on a drastic change of course with strict restrictions on harvest quantities. It was the beginning of a profound change in the South Tyrolean wine industry - away from pure mass production and towards controlled origin and a consistent focus on quality.

The origin of the origin

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) means protected designation of origin and regulates the growing zone, cultivation, harvest quantities, mash quality, pressing method and geographical indications on the label - a clear commitment to origin and quality. Our own inspection bodies ensure compliance with the regulations.

The production regulations for St. Magdalener Doc were introduced in 1971, those for Südtirol and Südtiroler (Lagrein) in 1975.

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Quality instead of quantity

The setting of harvest quantities, i.e. the maximum amount of grapes that could be harvested per hectare, was particularly drastic. Previously, success in viticulture had depended almost exclusively on quantity: The more was harvested, the greater the economic profit. With the DOC regulations, this thinking was reversed. The focus shifted to the quality of the grapes and the first steps towards a long-term rethink began.

What began as a bold step in 1975 has developed into an impressive quality movement over the years. Today, DOC Alto Adige stands worldwide for outstanding wine with a clear origin and the highest standards.

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A radical change with symbolic power

Until the 1970s, wine from South Tyrol was predominantly marketed openly or in large containers, paid for by the kilo, not by quality. But when sales markets became fragile and demand fell, it became clear that the era of mass production was over. But instead of being discouraged, South Tyrol focused on innovation and quality. The wines improved noticeably and gained international recognition, a turnaround that has stood the test of time.

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You can find out when the first bottles were filled at Pfannenstielhof and many other exciting details on our history page.