The Trentino area is no stranger to grape growing and winemaking, with vineyards dating back to the 1600s. At the turn of the 20th century in 1904, a handful of farmers from Trentino decided to embrace the newly introduced cooperative system in order to remain competitive in their grape selling, and thus Mezzacorona was born. At the time, Gruppo Mezzacorona was comprised of 13 farming families. Today, the group is made up of an impressive 1,600 farming families, accounting for 2,800 hectares of vineyards, and is one of the most successful and influential wine cooperatives to come out of Italy.
The vineyards of Mezzacorona lie at the foot of the majestic Italian Dolomites, running from Lake Garda to the bottom of the towering mountains. Thanks to a spectrum of microclimates, ranging from Mediterranean to Alpine, and over a century of winemaking experience, the winey planted varietals in the zones best tailored to the needs of each varietal, allowing them to flaunt the aromas and flavour of their terroir.
For more than 110 years, generations of families have devoted themselves to the cultivation of grapes, preserving the integrity of the Trentino territory with a sustainable approach. The wines of Mezzacorona are the result of a wise wine-growing tradition combining technique with a unique natural setting. Safety and sustainability have always been at the core of their philosophy and for decades they have adhered to the protocol sustained by the Province of Trento for integrated production, a voluntary agreement which encompasses farming policies that respect human lives, the environment, and consumers.
Mezzacorona’s commitment to environmental sustainability starts with the grape growers, who are committed to preserving biodiversity and playing an active role in improving the quality of the natural resources of the territory. This sustainable mindset is carried out until the end of the production process, with their commitment to environmental sustainability constantly growing. They hold a number of certifications for their sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming including the SQNPI, VIVA, Equalitas, and Demeter.
Through their state-of-the-art facilities and modern winemaking techniques, Mezzacorona specialises in 100% single-varietal wines characterized by all the vivid elegance and crispiness typical of the Italian Dolomites. The expert farmers, oenologists, and agronomists respect the traditions of the people before them whist using innovative and sustainable methods. As the winemakers intended, these wines are crafted to be a perfect complement to Italian and International cuisine, constantly receiving strong ratings and is renowned for its consistent quality, vintage after vintage.
The Wines
NV Mezza di Mezzacorona Italian Glacial Sparkling
91 pts – Angus Hughson (The Wine Pilot): They call the Mezza a glacial sparkling wine thanks to its home in the cool Italian Alps. It’s a unique blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Muller Thurgau, and is made in a similar way to Prosecco creating a bright, fresh and juicy sparkling wine. This wine is unique and elegant with its chalky, baked apple and citrus fruits plus a faint floral edge. It’s then dry, crisp and light weight with gentle earthy flavours finishing fine and long.
NV Mezza di Mezzacorona Italian Glacial Sparkling Rosé
91 pts – Barry Weinman (Fine Wine Club): A blend of chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau and pinot noir, made in the Charmat method where the secondary fermentation occurs in large stainless steel pressure containers prior to bottling. The wine is quite neutral, but with gentle floral notes, a little green apple, and a touch of textural grip. This is fresh and lively and, whilst not complicated, is a delightful drink. Nicely judged dosage (only 8gm/l) adds to the balance and mouthfeel and there is decent length, supported by a touch of phenolics.
2022 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio “I Classici”
92 pts – Kim Brebach (BWU20): From Trentino in the north of Italy. It’s more of a Pinot Gris to my mind, and a pretty luscious one at that. Nothin g wrong with that, and this is rich anytime drinking at a modest price.
2021 Maso di Mezzo Pinot Grigio
92 pts – Kim Brebach (BWU20): From the Dolomite mountains in northern Italy. Delicious fruit salad wine, with flavours ranging from pears and red apples to stone fruits. The acid on the finish keeps it tidy, along with some chalky minerals.
It has an enhanced fruity flavour with notes of red and yellow apples, apricot, white melon, and citrus fruits. It is dry, harmonious and with balanced acidity.
92 pts – Kim Brebach (BWU20): The vineyards at the foot of the Dolomites make elegant whites, this one leading with pears and strawberries backed by tangy citrus and hints of ginger. Perfect drinking on a summer’s day.
2019 Maso di Mezzo Teroldego Rotaliano
93 pts – Barry Weinman (Fine Wine Club): This is altogether more serious. Here, the tannins and acidity make their presence felt, keeping the fruit somewhat subdued initially. But with air, attractive black cherry and current notes build, supported by gentle spice/minerality and a chewy, textural finish. Excellent value.