Description
Weingut Niklas is a family owned and operated wine estate located just outside the small village of St. Nikolaus, in the Alto Adige region of Northeastern Italy, high up on the west side of a majestic valley that leads north through the Dolomites. Established in 1969, Weingut Niklas boasts three generations of passionate winemaking. The estate is currently managed by Dieter Sölva, a graduate of the famous enology school at San Michele (as was his father before him) and his wife Johanna, who took the reins in 1992.
Lagrein is an indigenous grape variety that is used to make a wide range of different wine styles. Young Lagrein can be a bit off-putting with overwhelming tannins, but this Niklas is very friendly and drinkable. Farmed using integrated pest management, traditional Pergola and Guyot systems, manual harvesting and minimal intervention. The grapes saw a 12-day cold, temperature-controlled maceration and fermentation in stainless steel with selected yeasts. Aged for 10 months in large “neutral” wood barrels to develop depth without overt oak influence. Light filtration, no fining or cold stabilization. Rich fruity aromas of blackberry and wild berries. It has rich plum and berry fruit flavors as well as a savory quality with a hint of menthol. Fresh with solid structure and a medium-bodied palate with mineral-laced chalky tannins on the finish.
