Girlan IGT 448 Rosso Vigneti d Dolomiti 2023 (6 Bottles) Alto Adige, Italy

Reship. 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, for which the terroirs of Alto Adige have proven their aptitude. The Lagrein comes from the deep, sandy soils of the Bassa Atesina (a warmer terroir ideal for ripening Lagrein).

The Pinot Nero and Schiava grapes are grown on the hillside vineyards of Cornaiano, in sunny, well-ventilated vineyards. Fermentation is in tank and old barrels before the wines complete their maturation in concrete vats.

Aromatic and fleshy Alpine red bursting with the forthright deliciousness of dark cherry fruit, aniseed and alpine herbs cosseted by sappy freshness and fine, food-friendly tannins. I think the scientific word is smashable: we could drink a lot of this, and without apology.