What kind of wine is Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano?

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano originates from one of South Tyrol's most representative and captivating grape varieties: Lagrein, an indigenous grape that has its roots in the gravelly and sandy soils of the Bolzano plain. This red wine perfectly expresses the balance between alpine freshness and Mediterranean intensity, offering a flavor profile that captivates from the very first sip.

Bottled with the prestigious Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC), the Lagrein Riserva 'Fallwind' is a red wine with a full and velvety body, harmoniously combining elegance and structure, revealing the full personality of its region of origin and the winemaking expertise of San Michele Appiano.

Vintage details

2022 was a balanced year for South Tyrolean viticulture, characterized by a warm summer but with good temperature fluctuations. The Lagrein grapes achieved perfect ripeness, ensuring aromatic concentration and mature tannins. The harvest, carried out manually between late September and early October, allowed for a careful selection of the bunches, ensuring complexity and finesse in the wine.

Vinification and aging

After alcoholic fermentation – the process in which grape sugar is converted into alcohol – the must remains in contact with the skins for several days, a phase called maceration, which allows for the extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. Subsequently, the wine matures for about 12 months in large oak barrels and barriques, where it develops structure and complexity without losing its lively freshness. The result is a perfect balance between fruit and wood, intensity and aromatic finesse.

Tasting notes

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano is a delightful sensory discovery, truthfully expressing the typical characteristics of this grape variety and the expert hand of the winery that produces it.

Color

It presents an intense ruby red with violet reflections, almost impenetrable, indicative of the polyphenol richness that characterizes Lagrein. The deep color anticipates the wine's structure and energy.

Nose

On the nose, aromas of ripe forest fruits such as blackberry and black cherry emerge, followed by elegant spicy notes of vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of licorice. The bouquet is broad, persistent, and perfectly balanced between fruity and woody sensations.

Palate

On the palate, it is enveloping and harmonious, with soft but present tannins that support a full and warm sip. The structure is powerful but never heavy, and the long and pleasantly spicy gustatory persistence invites a second taste. A sense of balance accompanies the entire development of the wine on the palate.

Food pairings for Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano

This Lagrein Riserva is a wine with remarkable gastronomic versatility, ideal for rich and flavorful dishes. It pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled red meats or braised meats
• Beef stew or wild game stew
• Aged and flavorful cheeses
• Typical South Tyrolean dishes, such as speck dumplings or roasts with sauerkraut

Even served on its own, this wine is an excellent conversation companion, ideal for enjoying during moments of relaxation or meditation.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano

To best appreciate its characteristics, store the bottle in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C. Avoid thermal shocks and position it horizontally, so that the cork remains moist.

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Fallwind' 2022 - San Michele Appiano has excellent aging potential: it can age in the bottle for 6-8 years, developing more complex tertiary notes over time, such as leather, tobacco, and sweet spices. A wine to keep in the cellar and rediscover with pleasure in the years to come.