Time to spill: 2025’s most compelling wines from Europe’s vineyards
This is worth savoring: 2025’s standout wines defy expectations, blending tradition with bold innovation. Brenntal Merlot, a single-vineyard gem from Alto Adige, redefines Merlot’s reputation. Its 15% alcohol, fresh yet full-bodied profile, stems from a unique terroir—steep loamy clay soils and cooling breezes. A 30-year-old vintages tasting revealed its longevity, with the 2009 still delivering ripe blackberry and blackcurrant notes. Italy’s Tuscany offers more surprises: Caiarossa’s 2021, a biodynamic blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, showcases bold cassis and tobacco flavors. The region’s volcanic soils and iron-rich earth create a distinct identity, while Tenute Argentiera’s Ventaglio 2020—a 100% Cabernet Franc—proves…
