Nals Margreid, Alto Adige (Italy) Schiava 2020

 Residents of the gorgeous Alto Adige region in northernmost Italy are fiercely loyal to Schiava, and rightly so, as it is one of the world’s few remaining reds that can truthfully be designated as “light-bodied” in the post-Parker era marked also by global warming.  This rendition shows lovely red fruit notes recalling pie cherries, with just the right acidity and a slight savory undertone to keep this from seeming grapey or obvious.  The fine-grained tannins are perfectly tuned to the light weight of the fruit, which may seem a little simple when you first taste it, but as you return to your glass, you’ll find that the wine’s purity will win you over.