2023 Abbazia di Novacella (Kloster Neustift) Lagrein, Italy, Alto Adige, Wine Review

This is made from the Lagrein grape in northeast Italy. Deep ruby in color, partially opaque and bright. The nose is intriguing with cherries, black cherries, slight black licorice, slight dark chocolate and spice. Medium to full bodied. Good acidity. Light to medium tannins. On the palate, the cherries and black cherries come thru with a bit of char and dry earth. Good finish. This is nice on its own but really needs food to shine. This will stand up to hearty dishes such as a Beef Stew but was also nice with a Vegetarian Lasagna. Drink over the next five to eight years. Great value in hearty red wine.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2023

Current Price:

$20.00USD

Lagrein: Red Wine from Italy's Alto Adige Region is Great for Winter Recipes

Near the Austrian border in northern Italy, from the region of Alto Adige comes an excellent red wine called Lagrein (pronounced la-GRINE) that really hits the spot on a winters night dinner table. Lagrein is also the name of the grape from which it is made. As was discussed here , the area of Alto Adige is very close to the Austrian border and has a shared history with both Italy and Austria. Hence, the German language is spoken frequently and either or both languages may appear on a wine label. You can find it made as both a red wine, often called Dunkel in German and Scuro in Italian, or a Rosè, called Kretzer in German or Rosato in Italian.

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2011 Ignaz Niedrist Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol Berger Gei, Italy, Wine Review

Vintage:

2011

Score:

Grade:

This is a relatively unknown red from northeast Italy that you should know. Made from the Lagrein grape. This is much more serious than most wines utilizing that grape. Deep ruby/purple in color. The nose has dark cherries, spice and a bit of pine. On the palate, this has black cherries and cherries. Very rich fruit but also a great backbone of acidity. Would work well with a wide variety of foods. Some tannins, this is still young and has a few more years until peak. Should have another 10 to 15 years in it.

2012 Peter Zemmer Lagrein Raut, Italy, Alto Adige - Südtirol, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$16.00USD

This is a relatively inexpensive red from northeast Italy. That said, it is not simple wine and needs to be cellared. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries with some smoke. On the palate, this has a soft texture. Black cherry fruit that turn slightly sour. Firm tannins. Nice finish. This will need to be laid down for five to seven years if it is to reach its peak. It can be drunk now but have some nice fatty foods to cut through the tannins. If serving today, an eight hour decant is not too much. Certainly, the score should improve with cellaring.

2023 Abbazia di Novacella (Kloster Neustift) Lagrein, Italy, Alto Adige, Wine Review

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Lagrein: Red Wine from Italy's Alto Adige Region is Great for Winter Recipes

2011 Ignaz Niedrist Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol Berger Gei, Italy, Wine Review

2012 Peter Zemmer Lagrein Raut, Italy, Alto Adige - Südtirol, Wine Review