# Lasón Merlot Riserva (2018)

- **Producer:** Kellerei Kaltern
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, morello cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blueberry, liquorice

## About this wine

The Kellerei Kaltern Lasón Merlot Riserva 2018 is a single-varietal Merlot from the Alto Adige DOC appellation in Italy. Produced by Kellerei Kaltern, a cooperative winery established in 1900 and representing 700 local winegrowing families, this wine highlights the potential of the Alto Adige region for producing complex red wines. The vineyards are located in a south-facing basin at an altitude of 250-300 meters, benefiting from a warm microclimate and loamy, gravelly river deposit soil. The 2018 vintage was marked by a warm, dry summer, contributing to rapid grape ripening.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1900, Kellerei Kaltern is a cooperative representing 700 winegrowing families.
- Alto Adige's unique alpine climate creates significant temperature swings, ideal for grape ripening.
- This Merlot Riserva is a departure from Alto Adige's more traditional white and light red varietals.
- The vineyards are situated in a south-facing basin, maximizing sun exposure.

## Food pairing

The medium+ body and ripe dark fruit notes of this Merlot Riserva pair well with richer proteins, where its tannins can complement the meat's texture and flavor. The wine's subtle herbal undertones can echo herbaceous elements in dishes, while its moderate acidity helps to cut through richer sauces and fats.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Kellerei Kaltern Lasón Merlot Riserva begins with hand-harvested Merlot grapes. These are then crushed and undergo fermentation in small oak barrels under controlled temperatures. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barriques, with 25% of the barrels being new. This process aims to develop the wine's structure and complexity.