Cantina Andrian Merlot Riserva Gant 2022

Cantina Andrian Merlot Riserva Gant 2022 is a refined expression of Merlot from the cool Alpine slopes of Trentino-Alto Adige in northern Italy. Crafted in limited quantities, this Riserva captures the region’s hallmark freshness while delivering the depth and structure expected of a serious Merlot. It’s a wine that balances mountain elegance with classic Bordeaux-style richness, ideal for those seeking a polished, food-friendly red.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Merlot Riserva Gant shows a deep ruby color with violet reflections, hinting at both youth and concentration. The nose opens with ripe black cherry and plum, followed by blackberry, subtle cassis and a gentle herbal lift. Layers of dark chocolate, graphite, sweet spice and a touch of cedar emerge with air, adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, this is medium to full-bodied, with a supple, finely woven tannic structure and a vibrant spine of Alpine acidity that keeps everything fresh and precise. Juicy dark fruit—black cherry, damson plum and mulberry—interplay with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf and a faint savory, mineral edge that speaks to its mountain origins. The finish is long, polished and beautifully balanced. While already approachable in its youth, the wine has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 6–10 years, gaining further nuance and softness with bottle age.

Production
The Merlot Riserva Gant is sourced from selected vineyard parcels in Trentino-Alto Adige, where vines benefit from stony, well-drained soils and significant day–night temperature swings that help preserve aroma and acidity. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to allow for careful selection of only perfectly ripe clusters, ensuring concentration without over-extraction. In the cellar, the must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation to protect the purity of fruit, followed by extended maceration to build color and structure. The wine is then matured in oak—often a combination of barriques and larger casks—to integrate tannins, add subtle spice notes and enhance complexity, before being bottled as a Riserva after an extended period of aging.

Food & Serving
This Merlot Riserva is a natural match for hearty, savory dishes such as braised beef, roast lamb, venison, or slow-cooked ragù over fresh pasta. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino, and charcuterie with earthy accompaniments. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and texture. A short decant of 30–60 minutes is recommended in its youth to open up the bouquet and soften the tannins, especially if serving with richer, protein-driven dishes.

Producer
Cantina Andrian (Andriano) is one of the historic cooperatives of Alto Adige, founded in the late 19th century and known for its pioneering role in shaping the region’s quality-driven wine culture. Nestled near Bolzano, the estate works closely with local growers farming high-altitude, steep-sloped vineyards, where cool Alpine air and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for elegant, aromatic wines. Over the years, Andrian has earned a reputation for meticulous vineyard management and a focus on terroir-driven bottlings, with particular strength in both classic regional varieties and international grapes like Merlot. The Merlot Riserva Gant reflects the winery’s commitment to marrying tradition with precision winemaking, showcasing just how refined and ageworthy a mountain-grown Merlot can be.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.