Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC - Kellerei Girlan

Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC - Kellerei GirlanA touch of dusk in the glass: Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC Kellerei Girlan flows into the glass in a dense, radiant ruby red. At the rim there is a delicate garnet-red shimmer, hinting at the maturity of this Riserva. Already at the first swirl, an intense fragrance rises, dark, deep, and impressive. On the nose, a multi-layered play of aromas unfolds. Ripe blackberries and juicy blackcurrants emerge powerfully. Behind them appear nuances of cassis liqueur, some ripe plum, and a hint of black cherry. Noble spice resonates, with fine tobacco notes, a touch of cedarwood, and a hint of dark chocolate. Subtle notes of black pepper and dried Mediterranean herbs round off the bouquet. A discreet, cool minerality reminiscent of dry stone underscores the origin from the sandy soils of South Tyrol. On the palate, Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC Kellerei Girlan appears dense, structured, and forceful. The first impression shows concentrated dark fruit, again blackberry and blackcurrant, plus a touch of blueberry. The texture coats the palate with rich fullness, yet always remains elegant. Firm, finely polished tannins provide structure and support. The acidity is vibrant and precise, carrying the fruit and drawing the wine out on the finish. The alcohol integrates harmoniously and lends warmth without heaviness. In the finish, the full class of this Alto Adige Cabernet becomes apparent. The fruit fades slowly while spicy notes linger. Tobacco, a hint of espresso, some bittersweet chocolate, and a delicate smoky tone remain present for a long time. The style clearly feels “Old World”: less opulent sweetness, instead finesse, structure, and a convincing, terroir-driven depth. The sandy soils around Girlan in Trentino–South Tyrol offer ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. There is abundant sunshine during the day, while at night the temperatures drop significantly. This variation promotes intense fruit aromas while preserving freshness at the same time. The higher altitudes provide cool air and a slow, even ripening of the grapes. The result is evident in the glass: power, density, and yet an elegant line. The typical impressions on the palate and on the nose are summarized in the following overview: Dark fruit: blackberry, blackcurrant, ripe plum Spice: tobacco, black pepper, cedarwood Fine roasted aromas: espresso, bittersweet chocolate, delicate smoke Structure: firm tannin, vibrant acidity, dense body Character: dry, powerful, elegant, clearly “Old World” This single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from South Tyrol is a textbook example of the grape variety with an alpine imprint. By nature, Cabernet Sauvignon brings thick-skinned berries, a high tannin structure, and intense aromas of black berries. In Alto Adige this grape encounters cool nights, plenty of sun, and well-drained sandy soil. The result is a wine that unites complexity, length, and cellaring potential. Every sip speaks of steep slopes, fresh mountain air, and precise cellar craftsmanship. The balance of dense texture, finely polished tannins, and pronounced fruit makes this wine an ideal choice for pleasurable, intense moments. It suits an evening by the fireplace just as well as a festive menu. Even in its youth the wine shows great expressiveness, but over the years it develops additional nuances of leather, cigar box, and dried fruit. As a food companion to robust meat dishes As a stylish red wine for special occasions As an ageworthy Riserva for the wine cellar As a gift for lovers of classic Cabernet Sauvignons As a meditative wine for a quiet evening Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC Kellerei Girlan thus impressively demonstrates how precise and characterful alpine red wines can be. Production of Doss Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva DOC from Kellerei Girlan The grapes come from selected Cabernet Sauvignon parcels in Alto Adige, around Girlan. The vineyards lie on well-aerated, sandy soils, partly with gravel content. These soils warm up quickly and drain water well. This allows grapes with concentrated fruit, thick skins, and ripe tannin structure to thrive. The climate in Trentino–South Tyrol features warm days, cool nights, and a long growing season. This combination ensures aromatic depth along with freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon plays the leading role here and clearly shapes the wine. The grape variety contributes blackcurrant, blackberry, firm tannins, and spicy notes. In Alto Adige this is joined by precise acidity and an elegant, linear structure. Kellerei Girlan focuses on meticulous work in the vineyard. The harvest is selective, often in several passes. Only fully ripe grapes reach the cellar. The harvest date tends to be rather late so that the tannins appear ripe and supple. Gentle processing awaits in the cellar. After destemming, temperature-controlled maceration fermentation follows. In this way, color, tannins, and aromas are deliberately extracted from the berry skins. Gentle remontage or délestage keeps the must in c...