Wine, Spirits & Coffee in the Dolomites

Whether you’re returning from a long hike, finishing up a day of biking the trails or just relaxing after taking in the breathtaking sights of the Dolomite mountains, there’s no doubt you’ve worked..

Whether you’re returning from a long hike, finishing up a day of bikingthe trails or just relaxing after a day of taking in the breathtaking sights ofthe Dolomite mountains, there’s no doubt you’ve worked up a thirst.

Whether you’re returning from a long hike, finishing up a day of bikingthe trails or just relaxing after taking in the breathtaking sights of theDolomite mountains, there’s no doubt you’ve worked up a thirst.  Thirstytravelers visiting this region are not to be disappointed.  The area isnot only home to a delectable array of fine dining and ethnic foods, but alsoboasts a wide selection of beverage choices, such as wine, spirits and coffeeconcoctions. 

Given the fact that the Dolomites are primarily located in Italy, it’sno surprise that the wines of this region are rich, plentiful and sure toplease even the most discriminating wine connoisseur.  Many of the valleysand hills of the Dolomites are home to their own vineyards and wineries, withthe sunlight and seasons offering favorable conditions for growth.  Thereare three grapes native to the Dolomites: the white Nosiola and the redTeroldego Rotoliano and the Marzemino. 

Red wine drinkers visiting the Dolomites can enjoy the rich, full bodiedflavors of the local Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs. The slopes around Bolzano and Trentino produce the native blends of Teroldego,Shiava and Blauburgunder.  Those who prefer the white variety will findPinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.  Traminer, another white blendthat hails from Austria, is described as deliciously floral and extremely lightbodied.

The village of Trentino has earned its own place on the map as Italy’slargest producer of Chardonnay.  It’s also known for producing sparklingwines by way of the traditional, or classic method and boasts a sweet winecalled Vino Santo, which is made from dried grapes and is considered somewhatmore rare than the other wines of the area.  And for those hot summerdays, visitors are encouraged to enjoy a holundersaft; a refreshing juice madefrom ripe elderberries.

Aside from wine, the Dolomites is also home to a distilled spirit calledGrappa, which is unique to Italy.  Grappa is made from the solid remainsof grapes that are left over from winemaking, primarily comprised of the skinsbut also including the stems, seeds and yeast residue.  The Grappa is agedfor six months in wooden caskets, stored another six months in air-tight glasscarboys and then refined and bottled for consumption. 

The flavor of Grappa depends on the variety of grape used, but it isgenerally described as dry and is quite potent.  In fact, Italians referto Grappa as “firewater” because it is a particularly strong drink – usuallybetween 80 and 90 US proof.  It’s highly aromatic, warm, smooth anddistinctly fruity and is typically enjoyed after a meal.  Some people add Grappato espresso to create a “Café Corretto”, another popular after dinner treat.

For visitors who prefer coffee over wine and spirits, the Dolomitesoffers delicious concoctions that are sure to please.  Primarily taken asshort, black espresso shots – espresso solo or espressodoppio for a single or double shot, respectively – it is alsoavailable in a wide variety of espresso drinks.  Some of the most popularinclude:

• Cappuccino – very popular, traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and frothed milk.
• Caffè Breva – cappuccino with half & half instead of whole milk.
• Caffè Latte – a single shot of espresso combined with steamed milk, with a 3:1 ratio of milk to coffee.
• Caffè Mocha – basically a caffè latte with chocolate powder or chocolate syrup
• Cafe Con Leche – 1.5 ounces of espresso with 8 ounces of steamed milk
• Cafe Macchiato – a shot of espresso topped off with a dollop of frothed milk. Translated literally, it means spotted coffee.
• Americano – a single shot of espresso with 6 to 8 ounces of hot water added.  This is the closest thing to brewed coffee available, but because it’s not brewed in a full parafe, it results in a stronger brew than normal drip coffee.

• Ristretto – a very strong, “restricted” shot. Only about one-half of the water is allowed to come through the coffee grounds, but the shot takes the same amount of time as a normal pull, ensuring the strength of the espresso.
• Lungo – the opposite of a ristretto; an extra long pull allowing approximately twice as much water through the same amount of coffee as normally used for a single shot.

• Caffè Romano – regular espresso with a twist of lemon or lemon peel.
• Caffè Corretto –  Espresso "corrected" with a shot of grappa, brandy, cognac, or other liqueur. It is ordered including the name of the desired liquor (for example “un caffè corretto a grappa”).

Given the rich culture of the Dolomites, and the delectable dishes oftraditional foods served throughout the region, it’s no surprise that thosetraveling to this area can also expect to find a wide array of beveragechoices.  And as with most things in the Dolomites, the drinks served hereare rooted in tradition and unique to the location, giving those who partake inthem a little taste of the history and beauty that surrounds them.

 Italian based adventure company Dolomite Mountains provides viaferrata excursions in the Dolomites, for more information visit:http://dolomitemountains.com

Dolomite Mountains isthe expert in adventure travel in the Dolomites. And because they explore itevery day, they have the unique advantage of in-depth knowledge of the terrain,including which sites and trails are best, based on individual preference andskill level. Visitors traveling with Dolomite Mountains receive superioraccommodations and exceptional customer service. Personalized itineraries aretheir specialty, ensuring that each visitor enjoys an adventure that’s perfectfor their individual needs, particularly the independent traveler who prefersto explore without the use of an expert guide.