The 2022 Vivat Alfa Lemberger is a dry, small-production red that shows honest fruit expression with noticeable structure, moderate tannin, and a slightly stemmy, rustic edge. It captures the character of the fruit well, but leans firm and a bit austere rather than plush.
It opens with aromas of black cherry and dark berry fruit, along with light spice and an earthy, cellar-like note. There is a subtle stem-like greenness in the background that gives it a slightly wild, unrefined character, but the fruit still comes through clearly.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with bright acidity and noticeable tannin, which gives it a firm, slightly gripping structure. The fruit—red and black cherry, blackberry—feels natural and clean, not overripe or jammy. Alongside that is a faint stemmy, vegetal note that shows up more on the mid-palate and into the finish, adding bitterness and a slightly green edge.
The mouthfeel is lean and structured, with more grip than softness. It finishes dry, with tart cherry, light spice, and a lingering combination of tannin and subtle vegetal bitterness.
Overall
This is a solid, honest expression of Lemberger that captures the fruit well, but leans tannic, slightly stemmy, and more rustic than refined. It’s best suited for those who appreciate structure and a more natural, less polished style of red wine.
Good fruit expression, but firm tannins and a lightly stemmy, vegetal edge give it a more rustic, structured feel.