Rubatsch DOC 2021

Two thirds of the Rubatsch comes from the vineyard of the same name in Terlan, the last third from the Seehof vineyard in Kaltern. Rubatsch is a south-western slope at 250 m above sea level with sandy soil on porphyry weathered rock. The Seehof site is also 250 metres above sea level with a view of the lake and loamy limestone gravel as subsoil. The Rubatsch lots bring delicacy and elegance, the Seehof lots give the wine power and structure.

The grapes ferment spontaneously with their own yeasts on the skins in the wooden vat, the marc cap is submerged daily during the two-week maceration period for a gentle extraction of colour and tannins. After 16 months of ageing in barriques, the wine is fined and bottled unfiltered.

Purple red with black core, almost opaque.

The 2021 Rubatsch from Manincor pushes all the Lagrein controls to the max. The typical aromas of blackberries, plums and mulberries, tartly contoured by elderberries and pomegranate, flow from the glass. Liquorice, white pepper and black cardamom complete the fruity round and are topped by a few black nuts and subtle smoky accents in the top note. No questions remain unanswered here.

The Lagrein is animatingly tart on the palate, controlled by its distinctive aromatic bitterness, reminiscent of high-proof highland chocolate. The tannins of the Lagrein are domesticated by the skilful ageing in wood, which gives it its toasty, smoky component. Extract-rich with dark fruit, the performance on the palate is choreographed by the orchestral acidity that holds the joint together and subtly acts on the off. A friable, highly complex Lagrein with a boldly tart profile for lovers of distinctive red wines.