Merlau Lagrein DOC - Thurnhof

In the glass, the Merlau Lagrein DOC - Thurnhof displays a brilliant ruby-red color with a dark core and a slight violet shimmer at the rim. The aroma rises intensely from the glass, revealing a concentrated interplay of ripe blackberries and juicy raspberries. Fine violet notes frame the fruit and lend the nose a charming floral accent. In the background, nuances of black cherry, a touch of plum, sweet spice, and a hint of cocoa emerge.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet supple. The texture is dense and silky, with clear, juicy fruit. Ripe blackberries and dark forest berries meet cherries, a touch of liquorice, and finely balanced spice notes reminiscent of black pepper and a hint of clove. The dry flavor profile has a precise structure, while the typical Lagrein tannins feel firm yet mature and well integrated.

The acidity provides lively tension while remaining harmonious and fresh throughout. This creates a balanced impression that combines power and elegance. On the finish, the Merlau Lagrein DOC - Thurnhof is long and impressive. Ripe berries, floral violet notes, and a hint of dark chocolate linger for a long time, inviting another sip.

The style of this Lagrein clearly represents Alto Adige. Its alpine origin is reflected in the freshness, while the southern sun brings warmth and ripeness. The result is an Old World red wine with a clear sense of origin, pronounced structure, and fine terroir character. The single-variety Lagrein grape displays its typical strengths here: dark fruit, firm tannins, lively acidity, and noticeable spice.

The vineyards around Bolzano are shaped by a unique climate. Warm days and cool nights define the character of the grapes. Gravel and porphyry soils give the wine a subtle mineral character and support its intense color and depth. This produces a Lagrein that is clear, distinctive, and authentic.

The range of aromas in the Merlau Lagrein DOC - Thurnhof can be summarized as follows:

• dark berry fruit such as blackberry and blueberry
• hints of red berries, including raspberry and cherry
• delicate floral notes of violet
• refined spice with pepper, a touch of liquorice, and cocoa
• subtle mineral nuances from the porphyry soil

On the palate, a clear progression unfolds. First comes the juicy berry fruit, followed by spice and tannin, and finally the long, dark fruit takes over on the finish. This sequence creates flow and tension. The structure remains seamless and shows good ageing potential over the coming years.

For lovers of powerful yet elegant Old World red wines, this Lagrein offers an ideal introduction to the style of South Tyrol. Its balance of density, freshness, and spice makes it a versatile accompaniment to food and an exciting discovery for any discerning home bar.

1. intense color and impressive fruit
2. dense yet supple structure
3. distinctive Lagrein character with a clear sense of origin
4. long, spicy, fruit-driven finish

Production of the Merlau Lagrein DOC by Thurnhof

The grapes for this wine come from selected parcels around Bolzano in Alto Adige. The area is influenced by an alpine climate with pronounced differences between day and night. This allows the berries to develop rich aromas while retaining a fresh acidity. The vines grow on stony gravel and porphyry soils, which ensure good drainage and low yields.

The Lagrein grape variety is ideally suited to this terroir. It thrives on warmth but appreciates cool nights. This produces grapes with thick skins and intense color. The spice and tannins come primarily from the skins, while the fruit comes from the juicy pulp. The harvest is carried out selectively so that only ripe, aromatic berries reach the cellar.

Harvesting usually begins in the somewhat warmer sites around Bolzano. The grapes reach good phenolic ripeness, which ensures soft tannins. After picking, the grapes are transported quickly to the winery to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Careful sorting removes underripe berries, stems, and leaves.

Gentle processing follows in the cellar. First, the must remains on the skins, extracting color and aromas from them. Alcoholic fermentation then begins in temperature-controlled vessels. This keeps the fruit clear and precise. Regularly submerging the cap extracts tannin and color without emphasizing harsh bitter notes.

After fermentation is complete, the young wine continues to mature on the fine lees. This ageing process gives it fullness, roundness, and a slight creaminess on the palate. Depending on the winery’s philosophy, part of the wine may be aged in wooden barrels. This introduces subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and gentle smoke, which elegantly frame the dark fruit.

Oak ageing is carried out with great sensitivity. The fruit always remains the focus, while the wood forms a delicate frame around it. Finally, the wine rests in tank and bottle so that the tannins, acidity, and fruit can combine harmoniously. Only then does the Merlau Lagrein DOC by Thurnhof go on sale.

Serving Suggestions for the Merlau Lagrein DOC by Thurnhof

This Lagrein accompanies a broad range of hearty dishes. Its dense structure and dark fruit are ideally suited to the robust cuisine of the Alpine region. Braised beef dishes, braised veal shank, or spicy lamb dishes harmonize beautifully with the wine’s spice and tannins. Game dishes such as venison ragout or roast roe deer also find a strong partner here.

The wine is particularly well suited to dishes with roasted flavors. Grilled beef, entrecôte, burgers with flavorful cheese, or grilled salsiccia engage in a compelling dialogue with its dense body and delicate pepper note. Pasta with rich ragù, such as tagliatelle with beef or wild boar ragù, also benefits from Lagrein’s pronounced structure.

Vegetarian dishes with roasted flavors and umami also make appealing partners. Try the wine with mushroom risotto, fried king oyster mushrooms, or lasagna with Mediterranean vegetables. Mature hard cheeses from the Alps, such as mountain cheese or flavorful alpine cheese, are an excellent match. A platter of speck, salami, and robust South Tyrolean cheese also creates a harmonious combination.

In everyday settings, the wine accompanies a relaxed evening with friends, a hearty weekend dinner, or a barbecue on the terrace. For festive occasions, it pairs well with roasts, menus featuring dark meat, or as a distinctive main-course wine. As a gift, it is well suited to connoisseurs who want to discover or deepen their appreciation of the Alpine world of red wines.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees. Slightly chilling the wine before serving adds extra freshness and accentuates the fruit. Briefly aerating it in the glass or in a decanter before drinking is worthwhile. This allows the aromas to open up and makes the tannins feel even more supple.

Serve the Merlau Lagrein DOC by Thurnhof in large red wine glasses with a wide bowl. This allows the complex nose to unfold fully and helps the palate perceive the dense structure more clearly. The wine develops beautifully within five years of the vintage. During this period, it reveals its full depth while remaining vibrant and expressive.

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