What wine is Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 - Alois Lageder

The Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 - Alois Lageder is an elegant and harmonious red wine, born from the experience of one of South Tyrol's most iconic families. It is a pure Merlot from grapes grown in the Punggl vineyard, in Magrè, an area particularly suited thanks to its mild microclimate and mineral-rich calcareous soils. The "Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT" denomination reflects the strong territorial identity of the wine, which encompasses the alpine freshness and typical fruity fullness of South Tyrolean Merlot. The result is a wine with a full body, balanced, and with great personality, capable of combining finesse and structure.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage is distinguished by a regular climate pattern, with warm summers balanced by decisive temperature variations between day and night. These conditions favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes, ensuring an intense aromatic concentration and mature tannins. The harvest was done by hand, selecting only the best bunches, confirming the sustainable and environmentally friendly approach that characterizes Alois Lageder's production philosophy.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of the Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 - Alois Lageder follows a meticulous process that respects the fruit. After destemming and crushing, the wine undergoes traditional fermentation with maceration on the skins, which allows for the extraction of color and structure. The subsequent malolactic fermentation, carried out in steel tanks, softens the wine and rounds out its aromas. Aging continues for about 18 months in French oak barriques, then concludes with an additional period of rest in the bottle, essential for achieving balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of its evolution and its mature yet still vibrant character.

Nose

On the nose, it seduces with aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry, accompanied by spicy notes of vanilla, cocoa, and a slight balsamic hint. The bouquet is deep and layered, an expression of its long time in wood.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full and velvety, with silky tannins and a balanced structure. The sip is long, consistent with the nose, and reveals an elegant persistence that invites a second taste. The finish is harmonious, with a mineral touch that recalls its Dolomitic origin.

Food Pairings for Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 - Alois Lageder

This Merlot pairs perfectly with meat dishes and recipes with a strong but not excessive flavor. It is recommended to pair with:

• Grilled or roasted red meats, such as sliced beef or pepper steak
• First courses with game ragu or porcini mushrooms
• Aged cheeses with an intense flavor

Thanks to its elegance and soft tannins, it is also ideal for accompanying relaxed tasting moments, without necessarily pairing it with food.

Storage and Aging: How to store Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 - Alois Lageder

To best appreciate its qualities, the Merlot 'MCMLVII' 2020 should be stored in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C (53-57°F), preferably horizontally to keep the cork in perfect condition. Thanks to its balanced structure and aging in barriques, it has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve serenely for another 8-10 years, developing greater complexity and refinement. Serve it at a temperature of approximately 16-18°C (60-64°F) to fully grasp its aromatic depth and harmonious roundness.