Palazzo Lodron

Palazzo Lodron, a historical estate that has been in the Lodron family for over 400 years, is located in the picturesque village of Nogaredo, nestled between Trento and Lake Garda. The estate carries a rich history intertwined with the legacy of Salzburg, notably through its connection to Mozart, who composed music for the family. The vineyard is a more recent endeavor, revitalized in 2018 by descendants Pipo and Olivia Volpini de Maestri. They replanted the vineyard, embracing the unique terroir of Vallagarina, where the first Bordeaux blend in Italy was created in the 1960s. The region’s hillside location, quality soil, and warm climate influenced by Lake Garda provide ideal conditions for cultivating Cabernet and Merlot vines.

Pipo and Olivia have passionately continued the winemaking tradition, producing wines that reflect their deep connection to the land and history. The estate's wines, such as the aptly named "Divertimento no 10" in homage to Mozart, have quickly garnered acclaim from connoisseurs and earned international awards. The wines of Palazzo Lodron are considered by some to be "Trentino's best-kept secret," offering an authentic taste of the region’s rich heritage and landscape.

At Palazzo Lodron, the focus is on producing high-quality wines using sustainable practices that respect the natural environment. The vineyard, located in the exceptional wine region of Vallagarina at 220 meters above sea level, spans 3 hectares and is surrounded by old stone walls, olive trees, and lavender. The grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Carmenere, forming a Bordeaux blend from Trentino. Five labels are produced: Flaminia Rosato, Divertimento n.10, Rizzoi, and Gran Tasso (a pure Merlot) and Carménere Maria (pure Carménere).

The vineyard’s health is carefully maintained by nurturing its natural immune system. Cover crops like clover, vetch, and false flax are introduced to enhance soil biodiversity, reduce erosion, and support beneficial insects like bees. Herbicides are avoided entirely; instead, weed control is done mechanically, and organic fertilizers are used sparingly. By removing vine leaves to speed up drying and reduce fungal growth, the need for plant protection products is minimized. The green harvest in July involves removing shoots, grapes and leaves to prioritize quality over quantity. This labor-intensive, manual approach ensures that each vine is cared for individually throughout the year, resulting in wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of Palazzo Lodron.