What kind of wine is Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern?

The Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern is an elegant red wine of great character, an emblem of quality Alto Adige winemaking. Produced by the historic Kaltern Winery, it is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, grown on the sunny slopes surrounding Lake Caldaro, where the cool microclimate favors slow and complete maturation. It is a wine with a full and harmonious body, capable of combining structure, finesse, and a complex yet balanced aromatic profile: a red wine that also captivates those approaching the great wines of Alto Adige for the first time.

Vintage details

2021 was considered one of the best vintages in Alto Adige in recent years. The harvest took place by hand between late October and early November, after a season characterized by sunny days and cool nights that favored perfect phenolic ripeness of the grapes. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of great aromatic precision, with intense fruit, mature tannins, and a freshness that provides balance and longevity.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and subjected to fermentation in steel tanks with maceration on the skins for about two weeks, to extract color and soft tannins. Aging takes place for 18 months in French oak barriques, some new and some second-passage, to impart complexity and a well-integrated spicy touch to the wine. Light filtration precedes bottling, maintaining the expressive purity of the Cabernet.

Tasting Notes

The Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern captivates at first glance and continues to surprise in the glass with its elegant evolution.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red color with garnet hues, a sign of concentration and careful maturation.

Nose

The nose reveals prominent notes of ripe wild berries, blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by delicate spicy hints of vanilla, tobacco, and cocoa. The toasted notes derive from the wood but remain in balance with the fruit, imparting depth and complexity.

Palate

On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping, with dense yet polished tannins and a pleasant freshness that prolongs its persistence. The finish is long and harmonious, with nuances of dark fruit and sweet spices. A structured yet never heavy wine, which promises an interesting evolution over the years.

Food pairings for Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern

This Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva is perfect for accompanying rich and intensely flavored dishes. Ideal with:

• grilled or roasted red meats
• stews and braised dishes
• game such as wild boar or deer
• aged and hard cheeses

It can also be enjoyed on its own, as a meditation wine, to fully appreciate its complexity and elegance.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern wine

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool place free from temperature fluctuations, at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally, away from direct light and strong odors. Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between acidity and tannins, the Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC 'Quintessenz' 2021 - Kaltern can evolve in the bottle for 10-12 years, developing more complex aromas and even greater refinement over time. It is a wine that improves with patience and offers ever-new tasting experiences.