Siebeneich Merlot Riserva 2018 – Cantina Terlan.

Merlot as a variety is appealing for those who like softer and more lean wines. It is actually one of the red wines a lot of people start off with when discovering red wines. It is a famous contributor to Bordeaux blends, produced on Bordeaux’s right bank, but can perform pretty well on its own as well.

In this review we are diving into a Merlot from northern Italy, Alto Adige to be precise. This Riserva named “Siebeneich” is produced by Cantina Terlan. 

About the Winery 

Over more than a century cooperatives shaped the wine industry in Alto Adige, where grape growers and winemakers work hand in hand. In fact, around 70% of the region’s production comes from cooperatives. Where they used to focus on quantity they shifted their focus on quality in the last two decades, now producing excellent wines that increasingly find the world stage.

Cantina Terlan (aka Kellerei Terlan) is one of the oldest cooperatives in Alto Adige, being founded in 1893. They have wide selection of wines with a focus on Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Terlaner, Chardonnay and for reds Pinot Noir, Merlot and Lagrein. Their 143 individual grape growers work 190 hectares of vineyards, producing about 1.5 million bottles of wine on a yearly basis.

About the Wine 

As we said in the beginning you can expect a rather smooth and gentle red wine, but this 2018 Riserva surely has enough character to impress. The wine is classified as an Alto Adige DOC and received 12 months of barrel ageing after being vinified in stainless steel tanks.

In the glass a beautiful ruby red colour greets you. The nose is fruity and refreshing, but also possesses herbal aromas such as mint, eucalyptus and a hint of pepper. This combination already tells you that there is a lot to discover in the wine. On the palette you will find a wine with a full body, that is never heavy but possesses great finesse with well-integrated tannins. ABV is 15% but don’t let that put you off if you prefer lighter wines, this Merlot knows how to handle it perfectly. Depth and length for this wine are excellent, giving it that extra push towards a strong recommendation from our side.

Price:                ~ €25

Taste date:      August 2022

Score:              94/100 DWA Score

Website:          Cantina Terlan