Luis Cuvée Rot
Mitterberg rosso IGT, Nicolussi-Leck, 750 ml
| Grape variety: | Merlot, Vernatsch |
| Producer: | Weingut Nicolussi-Leck |
| Origin: | Italy / Alto Adige / Alto Adige |
Description
The Vernatsch gives the Merlot in this cuvée the right zing. The aromas of black cherries, plums, cinnamon, clove and conifers are typical Merlot. The Vernatsch contributes a light mint note and a fresh, lively acidity. The successful cuvée presents itself quaffable and buoyant, with discreet wood ageing and moderate tannins - ideal with simpler, but also hearty dishes, or in autumn simply with roasted chestnuts. As an IGT-classified wine, the vintage does not have to be stated on the label; however, this is a pure 2019.
Attributes
| Origin: | Italy / Alto Adige / Alto Adige |
| Grape variety: | Merlot, Vernatsch |
| Label: | Vegan |
| Ripening potential: | 1 to 5 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Italian antipasti, Cold fish dish, dried meat, Saltimbocca, Hearty stew with pulses, Pizza or Flammkuchen |
| Vinification: | fully destemmed, fermentation in steel tank |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection, in small boxes |
| Maturation: | partly in steel tank, partly in barrique/ Pièces |
| Volume: | 13.5 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
The Kreithof, as the ancestral estate is known, is located near the idyllic Lake Caldaro in South Tyrol (Alto Adige) and has been cultivated by the Nicolussi-Leck family since 1915. Standing guard over it are the medieval ruins of Leuchtenburg Castle, which – like the estate – dates back to the 13th century and was presumably also associated with nearby Laimburg Castle in the Etsch Valley.
Today, the winery is run by Jakob Nicolussi and his wife Stephanie with his parents’ support. Around 5 hectares lie between the lake and Leuchtenburg. There are east, south and west-facing slopes at about 350 metres above sea level, some with a gradient of up to 40% and warm, loamy soils and the porphyry rock of Mitterberg mountain. Each vineyard or plot of land has its own unique microclimate and soil composition that distinguish it from the others. This diversity was used to select the ideal location for each grape variety.
Merlot
Everybody’s darling
Merlot is the most charming member of the Bordeaux family. It shines with rich colour, fragrant fullness, velvety tannins and sweet, plummy fruit. It even makes itself easy for the vintner, as it matures without issue in cool years as well. This is in contrast to the stricter Cabernet Sauvignon, which it complements as a blending partner. Its good qualities have made the Merlot famous worldwide. At over 100,000 hectares, it is the most-planted grape in France. It also covers large areas in California, Italy, Australia and recently in Eastern Europe. The only catch is that pure Merlot varieties rarely turn out well. Its charm is often associated with a lack of substance. Only the best specimens improve with maturity. They then develop complex notes of leather and truffles. This succeeds in the top wines from the Bordeaux appellation of Pomerol and those from Ticino, among others.
Alto Adige
Alto Adige: Alpenweine mit südlichem Charme
Am Alpenübergang gelegen verfügt das Südtirol über eine grosse Palette an Mirkroklimata und Bodentypen. Dies macht es möglich, dass hier über 20 verschiedene Sorten optimale Bedingungen vorfinden. Vernatsch, Lagrein und Gewürztraminer gelten als alteingesessene Südtiroler Gewächse, doch auch die Familie der Burgundergewächse finden hier ideale Bedingungen vor. In wichtigen Weinführern wie etwa dem «Gambero Rosso» erhält das Südtirol regelmässig die meisten Höchstbewertungen («Tre Bicchieri») im Verhältnis zur Rebfläche in ganz Italien.
Italy
Italy – Where wine is a way of life
The Italian wine regions are extremely diverse, and this is made clear in their wines. Established varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon can be found on just 15 percent of the total vine growing area. The remaining 85 percent is reserved for autochthonous, indigenous varieties. More than 2,000 different grape varieties are grown under diverse conditions and pressed with various techniques into wines that reach the top tier of the international wine market.
