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In the glass, Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC - Kellerei Girlan shows a dense, bright ruby red with violet reflections that immediately creates tension. The first scent from the glass is intense and multi-layered. Ripe blackberry and juicy blueberry meet dark plum, accompanied by black cherry and a hint of cassis. Behind the rich fruit, notes of violet, dried rose petals and a touch of graphite emerge. Delicately integrated roasted aromas of dark chocolate, mocha and a hint of vanilla round off the nose.

On the palate, Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC - Kellerei Girlan displays a silky-flowing texture with a powerful core. The cuvée of Lagrein and Merlot combines Alpine freshness with Mediterranean richness. Juicy blackberry, ripe plum and dark forest fruits are at the forefront, joined by nuances of black cherry, a hint of elderberry and a touch of dried fig. Fine herbal spice is reminiscent of thyme and bay leaf, accompanied by a delicate hint of black pepper and licorice.

The acidity appears lively and clear, giving the wine a firm contour and precise line. The tannins are ripe, polished and velvety, with a slightly gripping pull that creates tension. The body is medium to full, elegant and never heavy. The fruit remains dense and concentrated, yet the freshness of its Alpine origin balances any richness. In the long finish, dark berries, cocoa, subtle roasted aromas and a cool mineral trace from the volcanic rock appear once again.

The Alto Adige origin lends this red wine its special charisma. The vineyards on sandy soils with veins of volcanic rock create ideal conditions for Lagrein and Merlot. Warm days and cool nights intensify the aromatics and preserve the fresh acidity structure. The result is an Old World-style red wine that combines precision and elegance with juicy fruit and a finely matured structure.

The typical strengths of this wine show on three levels:

• Expressive dark fruit with blackberry, blueberry and plum
• Silky tannin structure with fine, lively acidity
• Alpine freshness meets spicy depth and subtle wood notes

The nose delights with its complexity. In addition to the dark berry fruit, nuances of tobacco leaf, cedarwood and a hint of smoke increasingly appear with air. Very delicate floral notes recall violets and small wildflowers. A fine mineral impression evokes wet stones and volcanic rock. The wood aromas are subtle, never dominant, and purposefully highlight the fruit.

On the palate, the wine consistently continues these impressions. The cuvée is fruit-driven yet structured, with a clear line and elegant depth. The silky texture envelops the palate, while the tannins give it fine grip. The aromatics unfold in layers that appear one after the other:

1. Juicy dark berry fruit with blackberry, blueberry, elderberry
2. Ripe notes of plum, black cherry and dried fruit
3. Spicy components with pepper, cocoa, mocha and a hint of vanilla

The finish stretches impressively into the distance. Dark berries, earthy nuances, a hint of bittersweet chocolate and the cool minerality of the terroir remain present for a long time. This wine is ideal for connoisseurs seeking character, depth and elegance in a glass, without sacrificing freshness and drinkability.

Production of Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC from Kellerei Girlan

The grapes for Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC - Kellerei Girlan come from selected parcels in Alto Adige. The vineyards are located in well-ventilated sites with sandy soils and inclusions of volcanic rock. This terroir promotes a clear structure, dense fruit and pronounced minerality. The climate in Trentino-South Tyrol combines warm, sunny days with cool Alpine nights. As a result, the berries ripen fully while retaining their lively acidity.

In this cuvée, Lagrein contributes power, dark color, spice and a firm tannin structure. Merlot provides richness, juicy fruit and the silky soft texture. Together they create a balanced red wine with depth and fine melt. Harvesting is selective, parcel by parcel, to bring only perfectly ripe grapes into the cellar. The precisely chosen harvest time gives the wine a harmonious combination of ripe fruit and fresh structure.

In the cellar, the grapes are processed gently. After destemming, controlled maceration takes place, during which careful temperature control protects the aromatics and gently extracts the color compounds. Regular pumping over of the must ensures fine extraction of the tannins without making them harsh. This creates the silky texture with precise structure.

After fermentation, the young wine matures partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in wooden barrels. The portion in wood obtains subtle roasted and spicy notes such as mocha, cocoa and a hint of vanilla. Aging on the fine lees lends additional creaminess and density. Through contact with the lees, the wine gains texture, complexity and inner calm. The time in the cellar shapes the wine into a well-balanced cuvée in which fruit, spice, tannin and acidity come together with precision.

Kellerei Girlan focuses on clear origin and thoughtful manual work. The style follows the terroir, not short-lived trends. Lagrein and Merlot appear as equal partners and reflect their Alpine origin with Italian elegance. Classification as a DOC wine underscores the high standards of origin, grape variety and careful vinification.

Serving recommendations for Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC from Kellerei Girlan

This red wine confidently accompanies a wide range of cuisine. The juicy dark fruit and silky structure harmonize with aromatic meat dishes. Grilled beef, braised veal cheeks or a pink roasted lamb loin are elegantly complemented by this wine. Game dishes such as venison medallions with herb crust or venison ragout in red wine sauce are also an impressive match.

With Mediterranean cuisine, the wine shows its charming side. It pairs well with pasta with hearty ragù, lasagne al forno or tagliatelle with creamy mushroom sauce. Braised eggplant, ratatouille, stuffed peppers or oven-roasted vegetables with rosemary and thyme also harmonize very well. Aged hard cheeses, mountain cheese, Pecorino or a medium-aged Taleggio here meet a partner with backbone and elegance.

As a food companion to a multi-course menu, this wine is particularly suitable for the main course. It pairs well with dark poultry such as guinea fowl or duck with fruity side dishes, for example red cabbage with apple or figs. It also works convincingly with classic South Tyrolean cuisine, such as bacon dumplings with rich roast sauce or braised dishes with herbs and root vegetables.

For the occasion, the wine shows great versatility. It fits a relaxed evening with friends, a fine dinner for two or as a stylish gift for red wine lovers. It is less suitable as an aperitif; instead, it reveals all the more depth and charm as the evening progresses.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. For young vintages, a short decanting is worthwhile to quickly unfold the dark fruit and fine spicy notes. A large-bowled red wine glass offers enough space for the aromas to fully develop. In such a glass, the silky texture appears particularly impressive.

With proper storage in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature, this DOC wine will develop additional maturity over several years. The fruit then recedes somewhat, while tertiary notes such as leather, tobacco and fine spice gain in depth. In this way, Laurin Lagrein / Merlot DOC will delight discerning connoisseurs both now and in the years to come.

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