Lagrein 'Sanct Valentin' San Michele Appiano 2021

Lagrein 'Sanct Valentin' Riserva represents a bottle with a full and complex character made by the well-known South Tyrolean winery San Michele Appiano. This label stands as one of the highest quality expressions of Lagrein in the entire Italian wine scene and was first produced with the 2000 vintage. As with the rest of the 'Sanct Valentin' line, the grapes destined for this Lagrein come exclusively from the best plots cultivated by the estate and are processed to produce elegant wines of great longevity.

San Michele Appiano Lagrein 'Sanct Valentin' Riserva is made with only Lagrein grapes from vineyards located in Coste and Gries at altitudes between 260 and 300 meters above sea level. The soils consist of moraine deposits and sands of alluvial origin, while the exposure is southeast. In the second half of September, once fully ripe, the grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, then transferred to the winery and melded in stainless steel tanks. In these wine containers, alcoholic fermentation takes place in contact with the skins, followed by the full course of malolactic fermentation. The ageing phase of about a year, on the other hand, takes place in barrique and oak tonneaux, followed by a further 10 months in stainless steel before final bottling.

San Michele Appiano's 'Sanct Valentin' Lagrein Riserva expresses a deep, compact ruby red colour. Vivid and intriguing fruit aromas of blueberry, plum and cassis emerge on the nose, enriched by deep notes of spice, coffee, cocoa and sweet woods. The sip, rich and enveloping, shows a full body and soft tannins supporting the lasting, warm finish. Because of its considerable power, this Lagrein needs to be paired with preparations with significant structure.