Cliffhanger Proprietary Blend (2012)

About this wine

This red blend from the Dolomite Mountains in Trentino, Italy, combines 70% Teroldego and 30% Lagrein grapes, both native to the region. It presents a deep ruby-garnet color and offers aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and baking spices. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, red plum, and black raspberry are complemented by notes of toasty oak, vanilla, and a touch of spice. The wine is well-balanced with a juicy character and smooth tannins, making it approachable yet complex. The unique terroir of the Dolomites, with its granite soils and cool microclimate, contributes to the wine's depth and structure.

About the grape

Teroldego and Lagrein are two indigenous red grape varieties from Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region, both contributing to the 2012 Mezzacorona Cliffhanger Proprietary Blend. Teroldego, often referred to as the "Prince of Trentino," has been cultivated since the Middle Ages and is primarily grown in the Piana Rotaliana area, where the unique alluvial soils and microclimate enhance its growth. Lagrein, with a history dating back to the 17th century, is known for producing tannic red wines and fragrant rosés, and is genetically related to Teroldego, sharing a common ancestry. In the Cliffhanger blend, these grapes are cultivated on steep, terraced slopes of the Dolomite Mountains, where the challenging terrain and mineral-rich soils contribute to the grapes' concentrated flavors and the wine's distinctive character.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The Cliffhanger Proprietary Blend is crafted from Teroldego and Lagrein, two indigenous grape varieties from Trentino, Italy.
• ⛰️ Mezzacorona's Cliffhanger vineyards are situated on steep, terraced slopes of the Dolomite Mountains, where vines grow in granite-rich soils.
• 🍷 The wine exhibits intense ruby-garnet hues, with aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and baking spices.
• 🧬 Teroldego, one of the blend's grapes, is a relative of Syrah, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.
• ❄️ The Dolomite Mountains' cool climate and the influence of the Adige River create a unique microclimate, enhancing the wine's structure and elegance.

Palate profile

Producer

Mezzacorona, established in 1904 by 11 founding members, has grown into one of Italy's most celebrated wine cooperatives, now comprising approximately 1,600 winegrowers. Located in Trentino's Piana Rotaliana, the winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and innovative practices. The Cittadella del Vino, their award-winning architectural complex completed in 2000, embodies this dedication by integrating modern design with environmental sustainability. Mezzacorona's vineyards are meticulously managed, often likened to tending a kitchen garden, ensuring the production of high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.