Arzio 2011, Alto Adige DOC, Baron di Pauli

Why it’s special
Arzio is the flagship red from Baron di Pauli’s Arzenhof estate in Caldaro, Alto Adige (northern Italy near the Alps). It is a Bordeaux-style blend grown on mineral-rich slopes above Lake Caldaro. The 2011 shows over a decade of quiet development with dark cherry, graphite, cedar, and cocoa in balanced form.

Taste and texture
Dark ruby color. Ripe black and red fruit, violet, sweet spice, and a touch of cocoa. Fine-grained tannins and a cool mineral finish give length and composure.

Grapes
Merlot 50% • Cabernet Sauvignon 25% • Cabernet Franc 25%

Winemaking

• Spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats

• Three-week maceration on skins

• 18 months in small oak barrels, 70% new

• Bottled May 2013 after light filtration

• Released after extended bottle aging

How to enjoy
Decant 45 to 60 minutes. Serve at 60 to 64°F. Excellent with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, porcini risotto, or aged hard cheeses.

Vintage note
Drinking beautifully now with several years of positive evolution ahead.