Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020

South Tyrol’s vineyards offer unique conditions for viticulture. Calcareous soils, mild summers and cool nights shape the vines. This creates wines with a distinctive character and high quality. »Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« is an example of this successful combination. It reflects the terroir and the passion of the winery. This red wine from South Tyrol is an expression of artisanal precision and embodies a in-depth understanding of the Merlot grape variety – a grape known for its early ripening and high must weight, resulting in a velvety-soft, fruit-driven character.

South Tyrol’s Wine Landscape

Italy is known for its diverse wines. Each region has its traditions and specialities. South Tyrol, the northernmost province, is particularly prominent. The landscape is shaped by the Alps and the Mediterranean climate. This combination creates ideal conditions for viticulture. Only 5,400 hectares of vineyards are cultivated, producing around 330,000 hectolitres of wine annually. Almost 98 percent of this is certified as quality wine. The region places great emphasis on strict quality standards.

The altitude varies between 200 and 1,000 metres. Microclimatic differences allow for a wide variety of grape varieties. In addition to native varieties such as Schiava and Lagrein, international classics also thrive. Merlot, Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) and Gewürztraminer are widespread. South Tyrol is divided into seven sub-regions, each with its DOC regulations and characteristic wine styles. The Adige Valley and the municipalities of Margreid and Kurtatsch offer ideal conditions for Merlot. Sunny slopes and calcareous soils give it minerality and elegance.

Merlot Grape Variety

Merlot is one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties of the world. It originally comes from Bordeaux, France. It was first mentioned in writing as early as the 18th century. The name derives from the French word “Merle” (blackbird), as the dark, ripe berries are particularly popular with birds. Merlot ripens early and develops a high must weight, giving it a velvety-soft, fruit-driven character. When vinified as a single varietal, it shows dark red to garnet tones. Aromas of plum, cherry, blackberry, and blueberry characterise the bouquet. Spicy nuances and a fine tannin structure round off the tasting experience.

In South Tyrol, Merlot takes on a distinctive character. Sandy-stony, calcareous soils of the Adige Valley give it minerality. A fresh acidity distinguishes it from softer Merlots from other regions. Alois Lageder utilises this terroir-driven identity. The wine matures in a combination of stainless steel tanks, concrete containers and small wooden barrels. Around 12 months of ageing give the Merlot structure, complexity and natural spice.

Quality & Maturation

»Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« bears the DOC designation. This designation guarantees origin-linked quality. The DOC classification in Italy sets strict requirements for growing area, grape variety, yield and maturation. The winery relies on a creative maturation philosophy. Stainless steel and concrete preserve the fresh fruit and minerality. Small wooden barrels give the wine spicy accents and a fine texture.

The maturation lasts around 12 months. No overly dominant vanilla notes are created. The result is a balanced, modern Merlot that combines traditional craftsmanship with an innovative approach. This red wine from Italy is proof of the quality of the region. The bottle contains 0.75 litres of wine.

Presentation

The bottle of »Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« is distinguished by its elegant design. A dark blue label dominates the appearance. On it, the grape variety “Merlot” is shown in fine white italic script. The name “Alois Lageder” is written below in serif font. A golden cross symbol is the trademark of the winery and recalls the long tradition of the house. A snow-capped design symbolises the alpine origin. The bottle looks high-quality and traditional.

Aromas & Taste

In the glass, the Merlot shows a dark, clear cherry red. This indicates youthful freshness and vibrant fruit. The nose unfolds a subtle, expressive aroma. Red berry fruits such as raspberry, cherry and plum dominate. Spicy accents of cinnamon and pepper round off the bouquet. A light mineral note gives the wine depth. Over time, fine nuances of liquorice and ripe plum open up.

On the palate, the Merlot is medium-bodied, juicy and with a fine structure. Tannins are delicate but present. Acidity provides a fresh, lively balance. The medium length underlines the fruity fullness. The spice gives the wine a modern, almost Mediterranean note. The result of the calcareous soils and short wood maturation is remarkable.

Food Recommendations

»Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« is a versatile companion to classic and modern dishes. Pasta dishes with hearty sauces go well with the spicy wine. Poultry and white meat benefit from the juicy acidity. Lamb and game complement the slightly spicy accents. Cheese boards with semi-hard varieties underline the fruity complexity. The Merlot also goes perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine. Grilled vegetables, olives, and antipasti round off the fresh profile.

This wine is ideal for special occasions, such as a cosy dinner with friends or a festive dinner. It also unfolds its elegant spice as an apéritif or with light starters. The 2020 vintage was particularly favourable for Merlot in South Tyrol. The vines benefited from sufficient sunshine and rainfall.

Alois Lageder – Tradition & Sustainability

The Lageder family has been rooted in Margreid since 1934. Over generations, it has developed into one of the most important wineries in South Tyrol. Today, the winery manages over 100 hectares of vineyards and relies on biodynamic cultivation methods. Quality and sustainability are the focus. The Löwengang estate is a historic winery in Margreid and is considered a beacon for high-quality viticulture.

The family was one of the first to opt for ecological cultivation methods. It was one of the first to have organic winegrowing certified in South Tyrol. Today, Alois Lageder is a pioneer of organic farming and relies on minimal intervention, natural fertilisation and manual labour. The »Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« embodies this philosophy. It is pure, expressive and terroir-driven.

Soil & Terroir

The soil composition plays a crucial role in the character of the Merlot. The vineyard areas in Margreid and Kurtatsch lie on sandy-stony, calcareous soils. These are characterised by good drainage and mineral expression. Calcareous soils store water and neutralise acidity. They release minerals to the vines, resulting in wines with elegant acidity, fine structure and mineral notes. Stony and sandy proportions ensure low fertility. The vines root deeply and develop concentrated aromas. The sun-drenched slopes of the Adige Valley allow for a long ripening phase, which gives the Merlot ripe tannins and a velvety texture.

Conclusion

»Alois Lageder MERLOT Alto Adige DOC 2020« is more than just a red wine. It is a piece of South Tyrolean wine history. Artisanal care, ecological awareness and terroir combine to create a unique taste experience. With its fruity spice, fine minerality and velvety texture, it convinces with complexity and elegance. At €14, you get a high-quality wine that offers good value for money. Whether as an aperitif, with food or as a pleasure in itself – this Merlot inspires. It shows how modern winemaking and traditional values can go hand in hand.