GIRLAN 448 Rosso 2014
Alto Adige, Italy
RRP $28
After watching the escapades of my parents who are currently holidaying in northern Italy, I can safely say from their pictures that the Dolomites are truly a sight to behold. Soaring ice capped mountains surrounded by lush green landscape – what could be more idyllic in Spring? Travelling through a country offers the best chance to explore the local food and wine. That is what I enjoyed most about the times that I spent in Italy. Every region is so proud of their produce that you get a clear idea of the style of wine the area becomes known for.
Such is the case with this medium-bodied red wine from Girlan in far northern Italy. This Vigneti delle Dolomiti (vines of the Dolomites) is a blend of 60% Lagrein, 20% Vernatsch and 20% Pinot Nero (Noir). What else could that clear mountain air produce but a wine offering the flavours of fresh mountain herbs, bright red fruits, minerals and a touch of earthiness. The structure is more Pinot Noir-like but with a little more roundness in fruit thanks to the Lagrein. This is a classic style that the northerners would happily drink for lunch or dinner as it tends to complement the meal rather than dominate it. Try it with mushroom-based risottos or light meat sauced pasta dishes. In the meantime, I’ll keep dreaming of the next time I can join my folks on an adventure up north.
Stockists: Poured at Merchant and available for purchase at the City Wine Shop
La Donna del Vino 
Nice to see you’ve inspired Krystina in her Gram article this week ma and pa xxx
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Yodel e hee hoo!
Hi La Donna,
once in a while I get time to read some of your wine reviews. Unfortunately most of the wine you write about is wine I can’t get my hands on. But reading that your parents are in Northern Italy at the moment, probably close to some of the best wine in the world, I have to tell you that I’m running out of shelves for the Barolos in my cooler.
I have visited Piemonte twice the last year and I just love the place and the wine of course. The local white wine in the area, Roero Arneis, is also one of my favourite grapes. So in Piemonte I will find wine to whatever I choose for Food.
Now I will have to find some “Rosso” with Lagrein and Vernatsch grapes because of you 🙂
Enjoy your winter while I enjoy my long light summer evenings.
Hello! Running out of room for the Barolo is unfortunate, so perhaps that’s why this Alto Adige style would be better because you don’t need to cellar it for long. It’s a drink now 2-5 years sort of style – better fresh. If you don’t mind Dolcetto you probably won’t mind Lagrein (less acid than Dolcetto). The other goodie from the north is Teroldego…but that’s another story 🙂
Cheers,
Krystina
Love the way you entwine wine, life and a story.