Grapes: Merlot - Alto Adige DOC
Origin: Grafted to slow-growing rootstock and trained on traditional wire
trellises (Guyot), this Merlot grows in the best vineyard zones in the valley
floor of the southern Lowlands of Alto Adige. The name LA LOT derives from
the selected viticulture zone in the municipality of Laghetti. The favorable
location of the vineyards, ideal sunshine, and the good ventilation of the
berries assure the excellent quality of the grapes of this varietal. The low yield
per hectare is reflected in the high level of quality.
Yield per hectare: 55 hl.
Vinification: The stems are immediately removed and the grapes are
fermented at a constant temperature of 28 - 30° C (82 - 86° F) for about 10
days. The must is kept in contact with the skins through circulation pumping
and gentle pressure from below. We thus achieve ideal results with the
coloring from the skins and emphasize the fruitiness of the wine. After two
gentle rackings, 70% of this Merlot is aged over 12 months in large oak
barrels, and the remainder is aged in small casks of French oak (barriques)
which are 2 - 3 years old. After blending, 750 ml. Bordeaux-style bottles are
filled and the wine is aged an additional 6 months in the bottle before it goes
on sale.
Characteristic properties: A compact and very concentrated wine with
warm and broad flavors of berries.
Color: garnet red to dark garnet red
Bouquet: intense, complex, spicy aroma, typical of the varietal, with tones of
currants
Flavor: a long, lasting finish, very harmonious with a good lashing of
tannin
Recommended pairings: Grilled meats, hare roast, other game, sharp
cheeses
Serving temperature: 16 - 18° C (61 - 64° F)
Cellaring: 6 - 8 years
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