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Alto Adige is the Home of Schiava
The region of Alto Adige / Südtirol is located in north-central Italy, in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains. Originally part of Austria, the region became part of Italy in 1919 at the conclusion of World War I. It is an autonomous Italian province and is part of a cross-border joint entity. As such, it often identifies as Südtirol and the primary language in the area is German.

The Alto Adige Wine website explains that the region enjoys a mild alpine climate. It is protected from harsh winter storms by the mountains. The growing season is marked by warm sunny days and cool evenings with sufficient rain for a variety of crops, including grapes. The region produces 65% white wines and 35% red wines, made from native grapes including Schiava, Lagrein, and Gewürztraminer

The Schiava Grape
Indigenous to Alto Adige, the Schiava grape (aka Vernatsch) was once the dominant red grape planted in Alto Adige. Over recent decades, the plantings have reduced but those remaining Schiava producers have focused on increasing the quality of the grapes and the wines. Schiava is a vigorous grower, so it is traditionally grown via pergola training to help control that vigor. Wines made from Schiava are typically pale in color, aromatic, light in body and tannins with bright red fruit flavors. An excellent chillable red wine, the Alto Adige Wines website suggests serving Schiava between 12-14°C (54-57°F).

Cantina Kaltern
Cantina Kaltern is a high quality oriented wine cooperative which includes grapes from all the growers in Kaltern. Most growers have small plots, only a few hectares, so a cooperative really makes sense. The history of the cooperative goes back to 1900 starting from 5 wineries in Kaltern eventually joining forces into Cantina Kaltern, finalized in 2016. Should your travels take you to Alto Adige, the cantina offers a variety of tours and tastings.

Disclosure: The wine was provided as a media sample. All opinions expressed are my own.

Cantina Kellerei Schiava, Alto Adige DOC 2023 (sample, $22 SRP)
Eye: pale ruby
Nose: medium-plus aromas of tart cranberry, cherry, raspberry
Mouth: dry, refreshing medium-plus acidity, low tannins, medium-minus body, medium alcohol, medium-plus intensity flavors, medium-minus finish. The refreshing, just-picked cranberry/cherry/raspberry shines with the addition of a bit of cinnamon.
Observations: A refreshing red wine which can easily take a bit of a chill. Perfect for a red wine drinker who is eating seafood, or apéro, or a light first course. Not intended for cellering, drink this wine young and enjoy the refreshing fruit and vibrant acidity.

Pearl Couscous Salad With Shrimp and Feta with Cantina Kellerei Schiava
This Pearl Couscous Salad with Shrimp offers an excellent opportunity to try red wine with seafood. Shrimp has a bit more body than many mild fishes. The fresh fruit flavors from the red wine add another dimension to the dish. Give the combo a try!