Saint-Émilion-style blend from the Dolomite Alps. Flavours of blackcurrant, blueberry and black pepper

Crafted by Kurtatsch in the Dolomite Alps, in the German-speaking corner of Italy, this red wine benefits from a deep flavour of black fruits. It’s a similar blend to Pomerol or Saint-Émilion from the Bordeaux Right Bank: made from 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Despite this similarity, this wine shows the specificity of Alto Adige. The climate is very favourable for sun-loving Merlot and Cabernet, helping them to ripen and develop. The soil is very different here, too: red-brown sandy loam soil with dolomite minerals. The resulting wines have pronounced flavours and a deep ruby colour.

Winemaking

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine is aged for twelve months: ten percent in new 225-litre French barriques, and ninety percent in large wooden barrels. This process lends complex spicy flavours, but does not overwhelm the natural fruity character of the wine.

Tasting note

Deep ruby colour in the glass. On the nose, this blend of Merlot and Cabernet offers pronounced aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry and lilac flowers, as well as  notes of black pepper, sweet pastry, coconut and raisin. In the mouth, the wine is dry, with medium acidity. It benefits from a visible texture, silky tannins, a high level of alcohol and a full body. Long pleasant finish.

Wine Geek’s verdict: While Curtis doesn’t offer any explosive surprises, it is a very rounded and balanced Merlot-Cabernet: a German version of Bordeaux that ticks all the boxes. Like other high-quality reds of Alto Adige, Curtis has a very pronounced taste of fruits.