Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022

South Tyrol’s vineyards offer exceptional conditions for viticulture. Alpine freshness and Mediterranean warmth combine to create a unique climate. From this comes the »Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022«. A red wine that convinces with elegance, power and complex aromas.

This Merlot is an expression of the deeply rooted tradition and innovation of the Schreckbichl winery. The 2022 vintage promises a wine of particular quality. Careful production and maturation make it an ideal companion for special occasions.

Terroir and Origin

South Tyrol, Italy’s northernmost province, is a jewel of the wine landscape. The region is characterised by its impressive Alpine scenery. Steep slopes define the landscape and are ideal for viticulture. A special feature is the diverse microclimates that arise from the combination of alpine and Mediterranean influences. The quartz porphyry weathering soil is unique. It efficiently stores heat and water, promoting a slow, even ripening of the grapes.

The Siebeneich site is one of the most renowned Merlot growing areas. Here, the vines thrive on sun-drenched slopes. The Schreckbichl winery cultivates these vineyards with great care. A planting density of around 5000 vines per hectare is remarkable.

The Schreckbichl winery looks back on a long tradition. Founded as a cooperative in 1939, it now unites winemaking expertise and modern technology. Around 300 hectares of vineyards are cultivated by the winemakers. Annual production amounts to approximately 1.6 million bottles. The winemakers value hand-tended vineyards and strict yield limitation. Gentle vinification is equally important to them, creating wines of the highest complexity. This red wine from South Tyrol benefits from this know-how. The combination of tradition and innovation makes Schreckbichl winery one of the leading addresses for quality wines.

Merlot Grape Variety

Merlot is an internationally widespread grape variety originally from the Bordeaux region of France. In South Tyrol, Merlot has been established for over 100 years. The grape variety is known for its velvety character and simultaneously offers a high adaptability to different terroirs. In South Tyrol, Merlot finds ideal conditions. The longer growing season allows for complete ripening of the grapes. Cool nights in the high altitudes ensure a balanced acidity.

This Merlot from the Siebeneich site shows the typical characteristics of the grape variety. It convinces with its fruity aromas and its soft tannins. The vines deliver grapes with a high concentration of aroma compounds. The result is a wine of elegant power and a long finish. Merlot is versatile and can be used both as a single varietal and in blends. The »Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022« is a prime example of a high-quality single varietal Merlot.

Vinification and Maturation

The grapes for this Merlot are carefully harvested and then gently processed in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation at 28–30°C allows for optimal extraction of colour and aromas. Pumping over supports this process. After fermentation, the wine matures in barriques and large wooden barrels. The barrique maturation lasts 12 months. In the large wooden barrel, the wine remains for another 12 months. Finally, a minimum twelve-month bottle ageing follows.

This maturation in wood contributes significantly to the character of the wine. It gives the Merlot a dense structure and fine tannins. The aromas become more complex and harmonious. The wine develops an elegant spice and a long finish. The combination of barrique and large wooden barrels is ideal. It ensures a balanced maturation and prevents an overly woody note. Careful handling is crucial to create a wine of the highest quality.

Sensory Properties

Visually, the »Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022« presents itself in a deep garnet red with ruby-red reflections, which give it additional brilliance. On the nose, it unfolds a complex bouquet. Ripe forest fruits such as raspberry, blackberry and blackcurrant dominate. Dark chocolate and bittersweet chocolate complement the fruity aromas. A subtle mineral note rounds off the bouquet.

On the palate, the wine shows itself powerful, but elegant. Fine-grained tannins are perfectly integrated. Medium acidity provides a harmonious balance. Residual sugar is low at 0.9 g/l and underlines the dryness. The finish is long-lasting and complex. A fresh acidity keeps the wine youthful. This Merlot is a pleasure for all the senses.

Quality and Classification

»Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC« bears the designation DOC, which stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata – a controlled designation of origin. It is one of the highest quality levels for Italian wines. The DOC classification guarantees that the wine comes from controlled growing areas and that strict production regulations are observed. The additional “Riserva” label indicates a minimum of two years of storage after harvest and underlines the ageing potential of the wine.

Presentation

The wine bottle with a capacity of 0.75 litres is an eye-catcher. The sleek design and the copper-coloured cork seal appear modern and elegant. The label is minimalist and presented in white with golden brown lettering. The name “SIEBENEICH” is clearly legible. A black, geometric tower motif gives the wine an exclusive, timeless aesthetic.

Food Pairing and Occasions

This Merlot is a generalist for sophisticated meat dishes. It harmonises particularly well with game dishes such as venison loin or wild boar roast. Hearty beef dishes such as steak or roast beef are also ideal companions. The wine also goes perfectly with spicy, matured cheeses such as Pecorino or mountain cheese. Hearty ragouts with porcini mushrooms or truffles complement the taste experience.

This wine is suitable for special occasions. A romantic dinner, a festive meal with friends or a special anniversary are ideal opportunities. It is also a pleasure to enjoy with a cosy evening in front of the fireplace. Its spicy note and velvety texture also make it a perfect accompaniment to dark chocolate or roasted nuts.

Price-Performance Ratio

With a price of around €25, the »Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022« offers a fantastic price-performance ratio. The high quality of the wine, the careful production and the long maturation justify the price. For lovers of high-quality red wines, this Merlot is a worthwhile investment. It is a pleasure for today and an enrichment for the wine cellar.

Conclusion

The »Schreckbichl Siebeneich Merlot Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2022« is a masterpiece of South Tyrolean winemaking. Tradition, terroir and modern winemaking art combine in perfection. The unique Siebeneich location, the mineral quartz porphyry soil and the handcrafted precision create a red wine of elegant power and a long finish. With its Riserva designation, DOC classification and excellent ageing potential, this Merlot is a pleasure for special moments. It is an expression of the passion and commitment of the Schreckbichl winery. A wine that inspires and convinces.