2022 Girlan IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 448 Rosso, Alto-Adige

From a vintage built on supple, vibrant fruit and juicy tannins, the 448 Rosso is drawn from grapes grown (unsurprisingly) at around 448 metres above sea level in the Alto Adige.

It's crafted from a blend of two indigenous Südtirol varieties—Lagrein and Schiava—along with Pinot Nero, with which the terroirs of Alto Adige have a proven affinity. The Lagrein comes from the deep, sandy soils of the Bassa Atesina (a warmer terroir, ideal for ripening this variety). The Pinot Nero and Schiava are grown on the hillside vineyards of Cornaiano in sunny, well-aerated vineyards. Fermentation is in tank and old barrels, and the wines mature in concrete vats.

Expect a moreish, aromatic, fleshy Alpine red with plucky notes of dark cherry fruit, aniseed and alpine herbs, textured/slippery fruit, sappy freshness and fine, food-friendly tannins. We could drink a lot of this, and without apology.