Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Nals Margreid

Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Nals MargreidIn the glass, Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Nals Margreid shines in a dense ruby red with deep purple reflections at the rim. The color appears dense, almost inky, and prepares you for an intense, powerful red wine. Already at the first swirl, a spicy fragrance rises and immediately captivates the senses. On the nose, it presents an opulent bouquet of ripe black cherry and dark blackberry, tightly interwoven with notes of violet and dried rose. Behind this dark fruit, aromas of cocoa, liquorice and a touch of black pepper unfold. A hint of tobacco, a whiff of smoke and a fine, stony spiciness impressively reflect the sandy terroir on the South Tyrolean riverbank. With more air, nuances of blueberry, damson and a little elderberry emerge. Fine notes of vanilla and roasted hazelnut join in, pointing to maturation in wooden casks. The aroma appears multi-layered and clearly structured, yet always remains elegant and never overloaded. On the palate, Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Nals Margreid immediately displays presence. The dark fruit from the nose continues with great intensity. Juicy black cherry, blackberry and wild berries coat the palate, accompanied by spicy nuances of clove, cinnamon and a hint of dark chocolate. The texture is aptly described by the word “crisp,” as the fruit appears clear, precise and energetic. The tannin structure is powerful and dense, yet finely polished. The tannins take a firm grip, but remain ripe and silky. The acidity is lively and taut, giving the wine freshness and a clear line. The body is full and concentrated, with palpable pressure on the palate, yet without any impression of heaviness. Its Old World origin is expressed in the tension between fruit, spice, structure and elegance. The finish leaves a long, intense impression. Dark berries, cocoa and fine roasted notes linger, accompanied by a delicately bitter, mineral vein. A hint of liquorice and herbal spice settles on the palate and persists for a long time. This Lagrein Riserva invites you to keep sipping, as every moment reveals new nuances. For a quick overview of the wine’s aromatic world, here are its defining impressions: Dark fruit: blackberry, black cherry, wild berries, elderberry Floral accents: violet, dried rose petals Spice and wood: black pepper, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco Terroir notes: delicate minerality, fine smoke, stony spice The style of the wine is clearly aimed at connoisseurs who appreciate complex, structured red wines. The combination of intense fruit, pronounced tannin structure and vibrant acidity makes this Lagrein ideal for enjoyable hours at the table. It works both solo as a contemplative wine and as a powerful partner to food. For targeted selection in your own cellar, the following brief orientation may help: Ideal for lovers of structured, dark red wines from the Old World Perfect choice for hearty cuisine with spice and roasted aromas Impresses with maturation potential and clear sense of origin Production of Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC from Kellerei Nals Margreid Gries Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Nals Margreid comes from the traditional Alto Adige, one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. The vines grow in warm sites around Bolzano, where the climate combines Alpine influences with Mediterranean warmth. During the day, plenty of sunshine ensures high ripeness, while the cool nights preserve freshness and tension in the wine. The Lagrein vines root deeply in sandy soils interspersed with scree and river sediments. This structure promotes drainage and forces the vines to search intensely for water and nutrients deep in the ground. This results in dense aromatics combined with a clear, finely nuanced minerality. Lagrein is considered an indigenous grape variety of South Tyrol and shows its full potential here: dark color, intense fruit, powerful tannins. The grape harvest is selective. The cooperative winery sorts the grapes already in the vineyard and then again in the cellar. Only fully ripe berries proceed to further processing. The harvest date is chosen so that the grapes show high phenolic maturity while preserving sufficient freshness. After harvest, fermentation on the skins takes place in temperature-controlled tanks. Gentle handling of the must is the main focus. Through careful remontage and possibly partial pigeage, color, aroma and tannin are slowly and controllably extracted from the grape skins. The fermentation temperature remains moderate in order to preserve the fresh, juicy fruit of the Lagrein while simultaneously shaping the structure. Subsequently, the wine matures as a Riserva over an extended period in wooden casks. Large casks and barriques made of oak are used, some of them previously filled several times, in order to achieve a fine, integrated oak spice. The oak adds additional complexity with notes of vanilla, toast, cocoa and subtle roasted spice. Longer aging on the lees refines the texture and smooths the tannins. After barrel maturat...