Elegant like most wines from Alto Adige. Did not feel tannic as most reviews state.
WINE DETAILS:
- Grape: Lagrein
- Alcohol: 13%
- Wine: Lagrein
- Vintage: 2016
- Winery: Kupelweiser
- Location: Alto Adige, Italy
- Date: 1/10/21
- Distributor: Total Wines
Curious Synonyms: Lagrino, Lagroin, Landschwarze
Nerd Alert: The name suggests its origins lie in the Lagarina valley of Trentino. Other theories give Lagrein a Greek origin, suggesting that it is closely related to wines that were once made around the city of Lagaria in Greece. The Swiss biologist Dr. José Vouillamoz identified Teroldego x unknown partner (2006) as the parents of this grape, whereas the French ampelographer Thierry Lacombe identified Schiava Gentile x Teroldego (2013). This grape is prized for producing wines with firm tannins and good colour. The total area of cultivation in Alto Adige represents 8.8% of total cultivation with 487 hectares. The preferred location for this grape is on sand, gravel, and Bolzano porphyry at lower, warm locations up to 300 m (1,000 ft.) above sea level.
Personal Note: So I’m learning in this process that I’m liking the Puglia region of Italy. What I already knew before starting is that I love Alto Adige. Their Rieslings and Gewurztraminer are on another level but worthy of another conversation. This grape I didn’t know and I’ve had the bottle for about two years waiting for the right time. I’ve always been a fan of letting the glass (or bottle) decide if I like the wine or not. The faster it’s gone, the more I need to buy of it. I tried it with my wife and parents who have no issue with telling me if they don’t like something. And I was surprised that we all had the same experience. It was a good wine. It was rounded, well crafted and surprisingly easy to drink. It was quite smooth, and aromatic it was gone too soon. I did not feel the harsh tannins I’ve read so much about. Next time maybe I’ll try it younger and compare notes. However this is one of those grapes not available here so it will be a while before I try it again.
Random thought: For an Italian grape, the name sounds Germanic. Probably the northern exposure.
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*Sources for the wine facts are from: Wine Searcher, Wikipedia, Vivino, wine.com, and the wineries websites.
