Like the name suggests, the new Cliffhanger Vineyards wines from Mezzacorona, which arrive in the U.S. beginning June 1, 2014, hail from tiny vineyard plots located on and around the steeply terraced granite-faced slopes and ledges of the Dolomite Mountains in Trentino, Italy. With strong roots that penetrate the cracks in the granite subsoil in search of water and nutrients, the vines produce grapes that result in reserve-quality Pinot Grigio and Proprietary Red Blend wines.
Cliffhanger Vineyards wines are structured and refined, elegant and brightly flavored. A unique terroir that boasts crisp air, a cool Adige River-influenced microclimate, and melting glaciers provides depth and structure to the grapes; hand-harvesting of only the best grapes ensure they are delivered to the winery at optimum ripeness.
“The Cliffhanger Vineyards style shows the passionate dedication of our farmers to cultivate grapes in extreme conditions,” explains winemaker Lucio Matricardi, PhD. “These grapes are concentrated berries that produce wines that reflect the character of the Trentino people: strong and gentle at the same time.”
Tasting Notes:
Cliffhanger Vineyards Pinot Grigio
(100% Pinot Grigio Trentino DOC; 13% ABV; $12.99)
A reserve-level quality Pinot Grigio with an established pedigree; hand-selected lots of “best of Vintage”
Color: Slightly yellow with a hint of green hue
Bouquet: Rich and complex with floreal and fruity notes
Flavor: Aroma of ripe pear and chamomile, dry flowers, fresh melon and white peach; partial malolactic and touch of oak add depth, texture and lenght
Pairings: Excellent to drink alone, but also an ideal accompaniment with appetizers, pasta with white ragu, both fried and grilled fish thanks to its generous fruit and body
Cliffhanger Vineyards Proprietary Red Blend
(70% Teroldego, 30% Lagrein; 13% ABV; $13.99)
A reserve-level proprietary blend of sophisticated Northern (primarily regional indigenous types)
Color: Intense and deep ruby-garnet very deep and impenetrable
Bouquet: Intense and complex with a perfect balance of red fruits and spicy notes
Flavor: Displays ripe red and black fruits of cherries and blueberry with an uncommon juiciness and balance; notes of toasty oak, vanilla and spiciness add complexity
Pairings: This wine is as close as any vintner can come to expressing an ideal profile of the grapes used in the blend; the generosity of fruit and body ensure it pairs well with seasoned cheese, red meat and game
Mezzacorona’s Cliffhanger Vineyards wines will be available nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.mezzacorona.it/us/cliffhanger-vineyards_us_0_1_497.html; also visit Mezzacorona on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Mezzacorona and follow the brand on Twitter at @Mezzacorona.
Mezzacorona was founded in 1904 as the first organized wine growers’ association to unify and protect grape growers present in northern Italy. Today, thanks to forward-thinking management and an investment in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, Mezzacorona has evolved into a global wine competitor with an impressive portfolio of internationally recognized brands, including Mezzacorona, Rotari Trento Doc Metodo Classico sparkling wines, and Stemmari, wines from Sicily. For more information, visit www.gruppomezzacorona.it.
