Freiherr · Merlot Riserva DOC 2016

  The “Freiherr” Merlot Riserva from the Merano Winery impressively demonstrates how the combination of careful selection, excellent location, and sophisticated aging results in a perfect red wine. The grapes come from a single vineyard at the foot of the Freiberg mountain near Merano, grown on warm moraine soils and characterized by intensive manual labor: low yields, small berries, and careful selection are all part of the Freiherr mosaic. After maceration, the wine is aged in small and large oak barrels, which together create depth and elegance.

In the glass, this Merlot Riserva unfolds a dense garnet red with ruby-colored shimmer—a visual indication of its concentration and style. The bouquet opens with aromas of compressed blackberries, sour cherries, fine licorice, and dark chocolate—an interplay of fruit and spice that reveals its origin and the spectrum of oak barrels used. On the palate, the “Freiherr” impresses with its velvety texture, present structure, and lingering finish: a wine that is powerful yet harmonious - ideal with braised meat dishes, lamb, or aged hard cheese, and at the same time an expression of its alpine homeland. - Gerardo [TS10/17]