Der Keil DOC 2022

Wine description for Der Keil DOC 2022 from Manincor

On the sun-drenched slopes of South Tyrol, where Alpine freshness meets Mediterranean warmth, the Manincor winery cultivates a Vernatsch that captures the essence of this unique cultural landscape. The DOC 2022 wedge is an eloquent ambassador for an almost forgotten grape variety that was once the lifeblood of the region and is now experiencing a renaissance thanks to the careful hands of tradition-conscious winegrowers.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself in a bright, transparent ruby red colour, reminiscent of freshly polished pomegranates. The even distribution of colour right up to the rim testifies to the youthfulness and vitality of this vintage, while the moderate intensity of colour heralds the characteristic light-footedness of Vernatsch.

Nose

The bouquet unfolds in a fascinating dialectic between light and dark fruits. A multi-layered cherry flavour dominates, ranging from sweet heart cherries to wild sour cherries. This is followed by a subtle interplay of redcurrants, woody raspberry notes and a hint of mulberry - the fruit that so often grows next to the vineyards in the old gardens of South Tyrol. A subtle nutty component, reminiscent of freshly chopped almonds and green walnuts, adds an extra dimension to the wine, while the lactic hints are reminiscent of the region's traditional dairy farming. The spicy signature of juniper and clove, accompanied by a hint of white pepper, refers to the cool mountain winds that sweep over the vines at night.

Palate

The palate immediately reveals the remarkable juiciness that gives this wine its irresistible drinkability. The precise, slightly greenish acidity structure - a gift from the cool Alpine nights - cuts through the fruit like a mountain stream through limestone. Sour cherry now dominates the flavour, accompanied by a raspberry note and a surprising hint of mint, reminiscent of the wild herbs of the surrounding mountain meadows. Despite its origin from one of the warmest locations in South Tyrol, the wine retains a cool elegance and dancing lightness. The silky texture caresses the palate, while the moderate alcohol content of 12.5% emphasises its drinkability - a wine that impresses not with its power, but with its finesse and precision.

General information

The 2022 vintage proved to be almost perfect for Manincor - an early start to vegetation, followed by regular rainfall and a summer that showed the classic Alpine pattern of sunny days and cool nights. The Vernatsch vines, planted in traditional pergola training on a 250 metre high south-facing slope overlooking Lake Kaltern, benefit from the warmth of the lake and the calcareous, sandy loam soils. These old vines, witnesses to a centuries-old winegrowing tradition, produced perfect grapes at the end of September with moderate yields of 57 hectolitres per hectare.

Vinification follows an approach that combines tradition with precise craftsmanship: After complete destemming, the grapes ferment on the skins in wooden vats, exclusively with indigenous yeasts. The week-long fermentation at a moderate 24°C with minimal intervention respects the intrinsic quality of the fruit. After the first racking, the wine matures for five months on the fine lees in large wooden barrels - long enough to develop structure, but short enough to preserve the vibrant fruit.

Food pairing suggestions

This Vernatsch is a wine that brings the alpine cuisine of South Tyrol to life. It harmonises perfectly with Schlutzkrapfen in brown butter and parmesan - the nutty notes of the wine correspond wonderfully with the butter, while the acidity balances the richness of the dish. Equally convincing is the combination with Grilled chicken thighs with salsa verde and roasted pine nutsThe herbal notes of the wine emphasise the freshness of the salsa. For vegetarians Sautéed porcini mushrooms with ribbon noodles and chervil The earthy mushroom flavours find their counterpart in the subtle wild berry character of the wine.

This Vernatsch is more than just a wine - it is a cultural artefact that brings the history, landscape and culinary tradition of South Tyrol to life in every sip.