GRAF Cabernet Riserva Südtirol DOC 2020

"Graf" Cabernet Riserva Südtirol DOC 2020 / Cantina Merano / South-Tirol

Red wine from Italy

In the year 2010, the time-honoured wine cooperatives Burggrafenamt and Weinkellerei Meran made a landmark decision to join forces, resulting in the founding of the esteemed Cantina Merano Burggräfler. Today, this distinguished cooperative boasts a proud membership of 380, collectively nurturing an impressive vineyard spanning 260 hectares. This merger unified the entire western viticultural region of South Tyrol under one roof – from Lana in the south, through the picturesque Merano, to Riffian in the north, and from Algund to Kastelbell in the west. This alliance marked a significant milestone for winemaking in the region and played a crucial role in preserving and strengthening traditional viticulture heritage. Cantina Merano Burggräfler now embodies not only the passion and expertise of its members but also the unique magic of South Tyrolean vineyards.

Cabernet Sauvignon, a globally renowned grape variety, originated in 17th-century Bordeaux from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is distinguished by its robust character and spicy notes, with aromas of blackcurrants, pepper, cocoa, and tobacco. With age, these wines gain greater depth and expressiveness. The leaves are dark green, five-lobed, and leathery, while the small, cylindrical grapes grow in tightly packed clusters. The deep blue-black berries feature thick skins, ideal for ageing and winemaking. Cabernet Sauvignon vines root deeply and are drought-tolerant, requiring a warm, sunny climate to thrive. Today, this variety is cherished worldwide, producing wines of remarkable structure, complexity, and ageing potential.

Cabernet Franc-Sauvignon finds ideal conditions in the Labers cultivation zone along the enchanting Tappeinerweg, which spans an average altitude of 320 to 400 metres. At this charming locale, where nature and culture exist in harmonious balance, the vines flourish on well-drained moraine soils. These unique soils offer an exceptional foundation for the grapes to fully develop their aromas and characteristics. Over the years, the 20-year-old vines have perfectly adapted to the conditions, yielding wines renowned for their remarkable depth and expressiveness.

The vintners of Cantina Merano commence the meticulous harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes between late summer and early autumn. Hand-picked with utmost care, these grapes, embodying the gentle climate and rich soils of the region, are destemmed to remove unwanted plant materials and ensure superior wine quality. The vinification process begins with a roughly 15-day fermentation in special open fermenters, where the must is regularly stirred to maximise aroma extraction. This is followed by a malolactic fermentation, providing the wine with a harmonious and soft structure. Finally, the young wine ages in both new and used barriques as well as large oak casks, enhancing its complexity and depth. The result is the "Graf" Cabernet Riserva DOC, reflecting the terroir of South Tyrol in every drop and showcasing the passion and dedication of the winemakers.

The Cabernet Riserva DOC from the Graf line of Cantina Merano captivates with its dense, impressive ruby-red colour, which entices the eye and prepares the palate for a special experience. On the nose, it reveals an intense bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, juicy wild cherries, and spicy liquorice, accompanied by seductive hints of leather that add a mysterious depth. On the palate, this Riserva unfolds its full glory: a velvety, soft texture caresses the palate, while the firm tannins provide a harmonious structure. The wine's refined, long-lasting finish leaves a lasting positive impression and awakens the desire for more. Every bottle of this Cabernet Riserva is a masterpiece, reflecting the passion and skill of the winemakers.

The "Graf" Cabernet Riserva DOC from Cantina Merano is a true gem among wines, unveiling its elegant structure and fine aromas with every sip at an optimal serving temperature of around 16 degrees Celsius. Its intense flavour and perfect balance make it the ideal companion for a variety of dishes. Especially recommended with game birds, tender lamb, and classic meat dishes, the wine's bold flavours and balanced structure complement these foods perfectly, enhancing the culinary experience. It also pairs wonderfully with spicy hard cheeses, as its fine tannins and intense fruitiness perfectly complement the cheese's flavour. Moreover, this elegant wine is a delight for special occasions and convivial evenings, where one can leisurely savour the diverse aromas. Its versatility elevates every culinary experience to a new level, embodying the passion and dedication of the winemakers.

General properties

• Vintage: 2020
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: South-Tirol
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Kellerei Meran Burggräfler Gen. Landw. Ges. - Via Cantina 9 - 39020 Marlengo (BZ) - Italia - +39 0473 447137
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc-Sauvignon.
  
• Cultivation zone: Labers, Tappeinerweg at an average cultivation altitude of 320 to 400 m.
  
• Soils: Light, permeable moraine debris.
• Age of the vines: 20 years.
• Winemaking: Vinification in special open fermentation tanks for around 15 days with mash agitation. Subsequently, malolactic fermentation and storage in new and used barriques, as well as in large oak barrels.
  
• Sensory characteristics: On the nose, very intense fruity notes of ribes, wild cherry, liquorice and leather. In the mouth, plump, soft, grippy tannins and a fine, long finish.
  
• Colour: Deep ruby red.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l (glucose + fructose).
• Acidity: 5.4 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: Game birds, lamb, classic meat dishes and hard cheese.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
  
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
  
• Warning: Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the health of the child.
• EAN (bottle): 8028677474018
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety has its origins in the 17th century in the renowned French wine region of Bordeaux. Although the exact origin is not fully clarified, it is widely believed to have emerged from a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, possibly through spontaneous pollination. Over time, Cabernet Sauvignon has developed into one of the best-known and most widely grown grape varieties in the world. Particularly in South Tyrol, Cabernet Sauvignon is characterised by its powerful character and spicy notes, often accompanied by aromas of blackcurrants, pepper, and hints of cocoa and tobacco. With age, these wines gain depth and expression. The leaves of the Cabernet Sauvignon are medium-sized, dark green, and have a leathery texture. They are often five-lobed with serrated edges. The grapes are small, cylindrical, and grow closely together on the vine in loose clusters with small berries. These oval berries turn a deep, dark blue to almost black when fully ripe. The thick and robust skin contributes to the high potential for ageing and winemaking. The Cabernet Sauvignon vine is vigorous and grows rapidly. It tends to root deeply into the soil, giving it a good tolerance to drought. This globally widespread variety ripens relatively late and usually requires a warm, sunny climate to achieve its full ripening potential.

Protection of minors: We deliver this article only to adults of unlimited legal capacity and reserve the right to demand appropriate proof of age. The data required for the order, such as name, address, etc., must be provided in full and truthfully.

Bulk discount:

• 3 x GRAF Cabernet Riserva Südtirol DOC 2020
• 6 x GRAF Cabernet Riserva Südtirol DOC 2020