The Alto Adige region of northern Italy has an interesting situation going: it’s as much German as it is Italian, and the label on this bottle brings that cultural pluralism to mind.

One might read this as grauvernatsch, or as schiava grigia, and the winery might be read as Kellerei Terlan or Cantina Terlano, from the town of Terlan or Terlano in the Sudtirol or Alto Adige. I chose the more Germanic indicators, as they are most prominently featured, and because the producers obviously identify with that part of their heritage rather strongly.

But to the wine, this is quite light in color, and the nose is decidedly grapey, with a touch of sour cherry hard candy. The taste reflects the aromas, delivering a bit more heavily on the sour cherry. It’s very light on the palate, and the wine is delicate and simple, offering straightforward, unembellished red berry fruit.

Not that it is bad, but it is certainly underwhelming if you’re looking for impact. If you’re looking for an unobtrusive, easy drinking red that calls to mind the dining mores of the steep Adige valley, then this is perfect! Bring some speck (smoked ham) and graukase (spiced ricotta) to the table, and you’ve got the fixin’s for a real rustic, Alpine meal.

That said, the wine is rather unremarkable….