Alois Lageder
MCMLVII Merlot Vecchie Viti 2020
| Denomination | DOC Alto Adige Merlot |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Trentino Alto Adige (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | In small barrels for about a year, followed by a year of refinement in the bottle. |
- Main details: Vintage 2020, 0.75 L bottle, 12.5% vol., Alto Adige DOC designation
- Vineyards: Merlot from vines over 40 years old with Demeter biodynamic certification
- Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and whole bunches
- Maturation: 18 months in Allier and Nevers barriques and 1 year in bottle
- Serving: Excellent with meats, game and cheeses at 16-18°C; decant for 1 hour
Description
What kind of wine it is
MCMLVII Merlot Vecchie Viti is a biodynamic red wine by Alois Lageder, an authentic expression of the South Tyrol region. Made from Merlot grapes, it reveals a complex bouquet featuring notes of wild berries and earthy nuances, interwoven with fine spices such as juniper and liquorice. On the palate, it displays a full-bodied and vigorous character, marked by great depth of flavour and tannins that are present yet perfectly integrated. The structured texture is complemented by an intriguing freshness and a persistent finish, making this red ideal for enhancing game dishes, flavourful meats and mature cheeses.
Where it comes from
The grapes for this Merlot are grown in the Punggl vineyards, south of Magrè, at an altitude between 230 and 245 metres. This area of South Tyrol is characterised by a warm microclimate, essential for bringing the grapes to optimal ripeness. The roots of these historic vines delve into deep clay-sandy and calcareous soils, a pedological synergy that imparts depth and a fine structural texture to the wine. The agronomic approach faithfully follows the principles of biodynamic viticulture, safeguarding the environment and the natural vitality of the vines.
How it is produced
The harvest takes place between the end of September and the first ten days of October. In the winery, vinification begins with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, including a portion of whole bunches. Skin contact lasts fourteen days in steel vats, ensuring precise extraction of colour and aromas. After malolactic fermentation, a long maturation in small barrels of Allier and Nevers oak begins. This stage refines the tannins and adds elegance, before a final period of rest that harmonises the definitive structure of this great wine.
History and Curiosities
In 1995, the superior quality of the grapes inspired Luis von Dellemann, the historic oenologist of Alois Lageder, to vinify this extraordinary Merlot as a single varietal. Thus began a unique project that celebrates the advent of the new millennium through the distinctive use of Roman numerals to indicate the vintage. Founded in 1823, the winery values its old vines according to the principles of certified Demeter biodynamic viticulture. Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts give this wine a profound authenticity, which boasts 90 points from James Suckling.
Awards
-
2020
90/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1823
- Oenologist: Jo Pfisterer, Paola Tenaglia, Georg Meissner
- Bottles produced: 1.200.000
| Name | Alois Lageder MCMLVII Merlot Vecchie Viti 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red biodynamic still |
| Denomination | Alto Adige DOC |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Trentino Alto Adige |
| Vendor | Alois Lageder |
| Story | History and Curiosities In 1995, the superior quality of the grapes inspired Luis von Dellemann, the historic oenologist of Alois Lageder, to vinify this extraordinary Merlot as a single varietal. Thus began a unique project that celebrates the advent of the new millennium through the distinctive use of Roman numerals to indicate the vintage. Founded in 1823, the winery values its old vines according to the principles of certified Demeter biodynamic viticulture. Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts give this wine a profound authenticity, which boasts 90 points from James Suckling. |
| Origin | Vineyards of Punggl to the south of Magrè (Bolzano), altitude 230-245 m |
| Climate | Very hot microclimate |
| Soil composition | Clay-sandy and calcareous soils |
| Yield per hectare | 62 hl/ha |
| Harvest | End of September-first ten days of October |
| Fermentation | 14 days |
| Production technique | Fermentation of the crushed grapes with varying percentages of whole bunches, in steel or wood; fermentation and maceration for 14 days in stainless steel; after malolactic fermentation, ageing in barriques. |
| Wine making | Spontaneous fermentation of the crushed grapes with varying percentages of whole bunches, in steel or wood; fermentation and maceration for 14 days in stainless steel; after malolactic fermentation, ageing in barriques. |
| Aging | In small barrels for about a year, followed by a year of refinement in the bottle. |
| Total acidity | 4.8 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |