Manincor, Reserve del Conte 2018
Grape varieties: Lagrein 35 %, Merlot 40 %, Cabernet 25 %.
Colour: bright, full ruby.
Aroma and flavour: the initial sensation is of fruit, especially berries, giving way to spicy and savoury aromas with a hint of liquorice and white and black pepper; tightly-knit on the palate with strong but supple tannins, an extremely moreish wine, almost Burgundian in its drinkability.
Site and soil: the Manincor estate and the “Panholzerhof”, both sites are south-east facing overlooking the Lake of Kaltern at an altitude of 250 m above sea level; soils are rich comprising sand and clay mixed with limestone gravel and other morainal deposits. These vineyards are among the warmest in all South Tyrol, pre-destined for the production of great red wines.
Winemaking: grapes from each parcel of vineyard were crushed separately and fermented in a mixture of oak and cement vats and stainless steel tanks using yeasts occurring naturally in the vineyard. Skin contact lasted ten days and was rigorously controlled, during which time the cap of skins was pushed down into the fermenting liquid daily as it rose to the surface in order to extract velvety, assertive but ripe tannins. Fresh fruit and elegance are the main qualities we strive for in this wine. The young wine was transferred into oak barrels of varying sizes where it matured for twelve months.
Description: Concentrated bright ruby. A rich, seductive berry fruit and spice nose leads to a remarkably succulent, well-structured palate of white and black pepper, dark chocolate, liquorice and damson with silky-textured tannins. Almost Burgundian in its drinkability.
Serving suggestions: cool, at 60 – 64 °F.
Food recommendations: fragrant Mediterranean-style first courses; fried, grilled or roast red meats.
Other Product Suggestion: Novaia, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2017
