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

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Sanct Valentin' 2022 - San Michele Appiano is a mountain red wine that best represents the richness and authenticity of South Tyrol. Produced entirely from Lagrein grapes, an ancient indigenous grape variety from South Tyrol, it originates in vineyards located between Bolzano and the Isarco Valley, where the alpine climate and sandy-porphyritic soils yield grapes of extraordinary concentration and aromatic depth.

It is a structured and complex wine, generous in body yet elegant in expression, capable of evolving over time and offering ever-new sensory experiences with each tasting.

Vintage details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm days and cool nights ideal for slow and complete grape ripening. The harvest, which took place between late September and early October, allowed for the collection of perfectly healthy grapes rich in coloring and aromatic substances. A generous vintage, which gave the Lagrein a marked taste intensity and an excellent balance between power and finesse.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are crushed and allowed to ferment slowly in stainless steel, with a prolonged maceration (i.e., the contact of the must with the skins) to extract color and aromas. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months in small oak barrels, where it acquires complexity and roundness. Subsequently, it continues to age for another 6 months in larger barrels, before resting further in the bottle to complete its harmony.

Tasting Notes

The Lagrein Riserva 'Sanct Valentin' 2022 is a red that captivates with its intensity and personality. Its powerful structure is balanced by a natural elegance that makes it pleasant and engaging from the first sip.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with violet reflections, dense and luminous, a sign of great concentration and ripeness of the grapes.

Nose

The aroma is broad and deep, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and plum that blend with hints of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices derived from the wood. Towards the finish, nuances of tobacco and a slight balsamic touch emerge, completing a rich and harmonious bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, it is full and vigorous, with soft yet present tannins, good acidity that lends freshness, and a long, enveloping finish. The finish is deep, with a fruity and spicy return that invites another sip.

Food pairings with Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Sanct Valentin' 2022 - San Michele Appiano

This wine lends itself to numerous pairings, thanks to its structure and refined expressiveness. It is ideal for enhancing meat dishes and recipes with a strong flavor.

• Roasted red meats or grilled meats such as fillet, tagliata, or entrecôte
• Game stewed or braised
• Aged hard cheeses, such as Trentingrana or Monte Veronese
• Typical South Tyrolean dishes such as goulash or baked pork shank

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be slowly enjoyed in a large glass to appreciate its aromatic evolution.

Storage and aging (how to store Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Sanct Valentin' 2022 - San Michele Appiano wine)

To best preserve the Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Sanct Valentin' 2022 - San Michele Appiano, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity, at a temperature between 12 and 16°C. Stored horizontally, away from heat sources and vibrations, it can age for over 10 years, developing more complex aromas and greater softness on the palate over time. It is a wine that rewards patience, capable of evolving and surprising even after many years in the cellar.