Kurtatsch Brenntal Merlot 2006
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Great wines are born in the vineyards. For this reason, their protagonists are our partners who work in the vineyards. The exclusive role of manual labor in this context is already demonstrated by their very small structure: 190 members cultivate 190 hectares of land, carefully following our rigid quality program. These lands are found - singular fact for South Tyrol - between 220 and 900 meters above sea level in the same municipality.In these vineyards there has always been a link between grower and vines, which is strengthened thanks to the small structure of their winery. In the cellar, they aim to produce wines that faithfully reflect the different soils and the various positions of their vineyards. The prerequisite for this is a careful and precise refinement of the individual wine areas. Knowledge and experience deriving from centuries of viticulture in their municipality, combined with modern technologies, are just as important as the commitment and passion of the winemaker and his collaborators in the cellar. Whether it's a velvety and intense Merlot from the warm Brenntal plain or a fresh and crunchy Müller Thurgau from the Corona hills. The wines taste of Cortaccia. In a different and always unmistakable way depending on the area.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
A mountainous northern Italian region heavily influenced by German culture, Trentino-Alto Adige is actually made up of two separate but similar regions: Alto Adige and Trentino.
Trentino, the southern half, is primarily Italian-speaking and largely responsible for the production of non-native, international grapes. There is a significant quantity of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot produced. But Trentino's native and most unique red variety, Teroldego, while still rare, is gaining popularity. It produces a deeply colored red wine rich in wild blackberry, herb, coffee and cocoa.
The rugged terrain of German-speaking Alto Adige (also referred to as Südtirol) focuses on small-scale viticulture, with great value placed on local varieties—though international varieties have been widely planted since the 1800s. Sheltered by the Alps from harsh northerly winds, many of the best vineyards are at extreme altitude but on steep slopes to increase sunlight exposure.
Dominant red varieties include the bold, herbaceous Lagrein and delicate, strawberry-kissed, Schiava, in addition to some Pinot Nero.
The primary white grapes are Pinot grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc, as well as smaller plantings of Sauvignon blanc, Müller Thurgau. These tend to be bright and refreshing with crisp acidity and just the right amount of texture. Some of the highest quality Pinot grigio in Italy is made here.