What kind of wine is Alto Adige Merlot DOC 'Siebeneich' Riserva 2022 - Colterenzio

The Alto Adige Merlot DOC 'Siebeneich' Riserva 2022 - Colterenzio is a red wine of great elegance and personality, produced in the historic area of Siebeneich, one of the most suitable areas in Alto Adige for Merlot cultivation. Here, the vines root in alluvial soils rich in gravel and clay, ideal for imparting structure and complexity to the wine. This is a full-bodied and velvety Merlot, balanced between freshness and softness, capable of combining the typical Alto Adige character with the international style of this grape variety.

Details of the vintage

The 2022 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with sunny summers and cool nights that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The hand-picked bunches achieved a perfect balance between sugars and acidity, enhancing the aromatic component and structure of the Merlot. The result is a wine with an intense yet harmonious profile, with a strong ability to evolve over time.

Winemaking and aging

After careful selection in the vineyard, the grapes undergo controlled fermentation at moderate temperatures to best preserve aromas and freshness. Maceration on the skins, which lasts about two weeks, allows for balanced extraction of color, tannins, and aromatic substances. Aging continues for about 12 months in French oak barriques, where the wine matures and acquires softness and complexity, and then rests further in the bottle before commercialization.

Tasting notes

The Alto Adige Merlot DOC 'Siebeneich' Riserva 2022 - Colterenzio impresses with its harmony between elegance and intensity, maintaining the pleasantness typical of Alto Adige red wines.

Color

In the glass, it presents a deep ruby red with purplish reflections, a sign of youth and good concentration.

Aroma

On the nose, it expresses intense notes of ripe red fruits like plum and cherry, enriched by spicy hints of vanilla and black pepper. Slight nuances of cocoa and tobacco also emerge, imparted by oak aging.

Taste

On the palate, it is full and enveloping: the sip is distinguished by mature and silky tannins, supported by a pleasant freshness that provides balance and length. The persistence is remarkable, with an elegant and slightly spicy finish, typical of great mountain Merlots.

Which dishes to pair with Alto Adige Merlot DOC 'Siebeneich' Riserva 2022 - Colterenzio

Perfect for accompanying rich and structured dishes, this Merlot finds its maximum expression at the table. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Grilled or braised red meats, such as beef fillet or veal stew
• Game and wild fowl, ideal for enhancing the wine's structure
• Aged hard cheeses
• Mushroom-based dishes or flavorful risottos

For those seeking a more modern experience, it also pairs successfully with gourmet burgers and complex vegetarian dishes.

Storage and aging

Knowing how to store Alto Adige Merlot DOC 'Siebeneich' Riserva 2022 - Colterenzio wine is essential to maintain its fragrance and finesse over time. Store the bottles horizontally, in a cool (12-15°C), dark environment with controlled humidity. This Alto Adige Merlot has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for 6-8 years, developing further notes of elegance, softness, and aromatic complexity that reward those who know how to wait.