Lagaria Merlot 1997
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This delightful range, created by Neil and Maria Empson, is produced in the Trentino region under the geographic denomination of "delle Venezie".
The appellation's green, rolling hills, at the feet of the imposing Dolomitic mountain range in northeastern Italy, are ideally situated for viticulture. The cool temperatures and night/day, winter/summer temperature extremes, endow local wines, both red and white, with a particular freshness and a strong backbone of acidity. Because of Trentino's historical position as a crossroads between Italy and the German and Eastern European cultures, grape varieties are diverse, and comprise both the indigenous and the international. Lagaria was named after the region's stunning Val Lagarina: a kaleidoscope of color and light crowned by the severe peaks of the Dolomites. This beautiful natural setting was also the inspiration for the exclusive label, specially designed by Maria Gemma Empson. All three wines are 100% varietals from vineyards ranging in altitude from 250 to 500 meters above sea level. The fine terrain and exposure, together with state-of-the-art equipment and classic vinification, are conducive to exemplary, yet appealingly accessible varietals. In fact, the Empsons' objective in creating Lagaria, was to offer customers a price-conscious product that did not allow for any compromise in terms of quality - in other words, simply unbelievable value for money.
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.