What kind of wine is Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC “Siebeneich” 2022 - Terlan?

The Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC “Siebeneich” 2022 - Terlan is an elegant and structured red wine, an authentic expression of the Terlan territory, a small jewel of South Tyrolean viticulture. Produced 100% from Merlot grapes, this wine is born in a favorable microclimate, where sunny days and cool nights allow for a slow and harmonious ripening of the grapes. The result is a full-bodied, soft, and enveloping Merlot, capable of combining intensity and freshness, demonstrating how this variety can reach levels of excellence even in Alto Adige.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage is distinguished by a balanced climate: mild winter, regular spring, and a warm but not excessive summer. Late-season rains favored the complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in healthy and concentrated berries. This natural balance is reflected in the wine, which presents an extraordinary harmony between structure, fruit, and tannin.

Winemaking and Aging

The Merlot grapes destined for this Riserva are hand-picked in the Siebeneich vineyards, carefully selected, and gently destemmed. This is followed by a slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with prolonged maceration that allows for optimal extraction of color and mature tannins. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques for about 12 months, completing its refinement in the bottle before commercialization. This wood aging imparts aromatic complexity and a more velvety texture.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red with garnet nuances, clear and brilliant, a sign of youth but also of evolutionary potential.

Nose

On the nose, it reveals a broad and well-defined range of aromas: notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, blend with nuances of cocoa, sweet tobacco, and light toastiness. The aromatic elegance derives from the perfect balance between the fruit and the woody notes of the oak.

Palate

On the palate, the Merlot Riserva “Siebeneich” 2022 is full and enveloping, supported by elegant tannins and a balanced structure. The freshness, typical of Terlan wines, gives momentum to a long and persistent sip, with returns of red fruit and a spicy touch on the finish.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC “Siebeneich” 2022 - Terlan

This Merlot lends itself to numerous pairings thanks to its versatility and rich flavor. It excels with meat dishes and aged cheeses but can also surprise with simpler recipes from Italian tradition. Ideal with:

• Roasts and braised beef
• Game and feathered game
• Aged or blue cheeses
• Mushroom or truffle risottos

A wine capable of accompanying even an important dinner, enhancing each course with elegance.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC “Siebeneich” 2022 - Terlan

To best preserve its qualities, the wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C. It is preferable to keep it in a horizontal position so that the cork remains moist and ensures perfect insulation. Thanks to its structure and the balance between acidity and tannin, the Alto Adige Merlot Riserva DOC “Siebeneich” 2022 - Terlan has excellent aging potential: it can evolve for over 8-10 years, developing complex aromas and an even more refined softness.