Lagrein

Lagrein grapes are an ancient grape variety from the sunny alpine vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige in northeastern Italy, considered to be the oldest grape grown in the region. Lagrein grapes are native to both South Tyrol and Trentino, with their name thought to be deriving from Val Lagarina. Lagrein was mentioned in historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries, with an early reference dating from 1379. Lagrein first appeared in wine documentation around the beginning of the 13th century and was praised in 1370.

The grape’s historical significance runs deep in Northern Italy’s wine culture. Its most likely origin is in the Lagarina Valley in Trentino, from which it probably derived its name, although its presence there is very limited today. Genetic analysis has revealed fascinating connections, showing that Lagrein is related to other grape varieties as well as Marzemino.

What Makes Lagrein Unique

Discover the unique qualities of Lagrein, a grape that stands out for its history, character, and significance in the Alto Adige wine region.

Being a cousin of Syrah and a grandchild of Pinot, this grape has a royal lineage. This noble heritage contributes to its distinctive character and quality potential. Concentrated, brooding, and tannic, Lagrein is definitely not a second-division grape variety.

The grape’s unique character stems from its alpine origins, where bright sunshine and cold nights bring freshness and flavour. This combination creates wines with exceptional depth and complexity, setting Lagrein apart from more common red varieties.

One of Lagrein’s most distinctive features is its versatility. Il sert également à élaborer un rosé nommé Kretzer (It also serves to make a rosé called Kretzer), demonstrating the grape’s adaptability to different winemaking styles. For those seeking an alternative to more familiar full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Lagrein can offer a compelling and distinctive choice.

Where Lagrein Grows In The World

Italy – The Traditional Home

For centuries, Lagrein has made its home in the Trentino-Alto Adige wine region, an area renowned for its high-quality grapes, including the distinctive Lagrein variety. Within this region, the Alto Adige area, particularly around the city of Bolzano, is famed for producing top-tier Lagrein wines. The combination of its alpine climate and mineral-rich soils—especially those with gravel and sand—lends the wine a unique character that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Lagrein is typically grown at low altitudes, rarely above 1,000 meters or sea level, and careful management of yield further enhances the quality of these wines.

Australia – The New World Pioneer

Australia is arguably lagrein’s second home, with few plantings in Italy outside its home. Within Australia, Lagrein is produced in over 15 regions, including Murray Darling, Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek Riverland and McLaren Vale. It is now being used by over fifty Australian producers.

The grape has found particularly favorable conditions in specific Australian regions. The variety has had a gradual upward trajectory, with it finding favourable homes in the Adelaide Hills and on the Limestone Coast, while plantings in McLaren Vale have also proved successful. Excellent examples are being made in cooler regions like Victoria’s Macedon Ranges and the Adelaide Hills.

Other Regions

In New Zealand a number of winemakers have planted the variety. The grape’s adaptability continues to attract adventurous winemakers seeking to explore its potential in different terroirs.

How Winemakers Use Lagrein

Lagrein’s versatility makes it valuable for various winemaking approaches. The wine made from this grape is particularly known for its deep and dense colour and is primarily used to produce red wine, but it is also crafted into rosé styles. Lagrein is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add structure and complexity, making it useful both as a standalone varietal and as a blending component to add color and structure to other wines.

Smoky aromas along with spice come from aging in oak, which helps soften the tannins. This aging process is crucial for taming the grape’s naturally robust structure while adding complexity.

Lagrein Kretzer is a traditional rosé style made from Lagrein, while Lagrein Rosato is another rosé variant produced from this grape. These rose wines are elegant, fruity, and floral, demonstrating the grape’s range from powerful reds to delicate rosés.

Tasting Notes and Wine Specifications

Color:

The wine made from this grape is particularly known for its deep, dense color. The wines typically display an intense, almost opaque purple-red hue.

Aroma:

Elegant black cherry and violet aromas. Smoky aromas along with spice come from aging in oak. The aromatic profile combines fruit, floral, and savory elements, creating complexity on the nose.

Flavor:

Its wines are strong and full bodied with plum and wild cherry flavors. Making flavourful and fruit-intense midweight reds. The flavor profile centers on dark fruits with additional complexity from winemaking techniques.

Structure:

Robust tannins and good acidity, generous flavours and good tannin. Firm tannins and good colour. This creates wines with excellent aging potential and food-pairing versatility.

Aging:

Most wines should be enjoyed within a few years of release. They are fruity in youth and gain more complexity with age – the best wines improve for up to ten years, reaching their full potential at the end of their optimal aging period. Today it’s back on top thanks to its aging potential and high quality.

Food Pairing:

Lagrein is definitely not a second-division grape variety and one of the most versatile and food-friendly wine styles being made in Italy today. Perfect with game, venison, beef, and aged cheeses. The wine’s structure and flavor profile make it excellent with rich, savory dishes.

Lagrein Today

This very interesting grape has been undergoing a renaissance in recent years. This revival is driven by both quality improvements and increased recognition of the grape’s potential. Modern Lagrein is best drunk at the right age to fully appreciate its improved quality and to avoid any negative perceptions that can arise from consuming it too young or too old.

Lagrein, pronounced “Lah-grine”, represents less than 9% of total wine production in Alto Adige. Despite its small production volume, the grape punches above its weight in terms of quality and recognition.

The modern Lagrein movement has been particularly successful in Australia, where innovative winemakers have embraced the variety’s potential. Australia has embraced obscure regional grape varieties from Europe, of which Lagrein is very much one.

Should You Try Lagrein?

Absolutely. Lagrein offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a historic grape variety that combines traditional Italian winemaking heritage with modern innovation. Whether you’re interested in trying wines from its native Alto Adige region or exploring New World expressions from Australia, Lagrein provides a unique tasting experience.

The grape’s versatility means there’s likely a Lagrein style to suit different preferences, from the robust, tannic reds perfect for aging to the elegant, approachable rosé versions. For those who enjoy full-bodied reds with good structure and aging potential, Lagrein represents excellent value and discovery potential.

Conclusion

Lagrein stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of ancient grape varieties in modern winemaking. From its origins in the alpine valleys of Northern Italy to its successful adaptation in Australian vineyards, this grape continues to surprise and delight wine lovers with its depth, complexity, and versatility.

Its journey from near-obscurity to renaissance reflects the broader trend of wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, distinctive alternatives to mainstream varieties. Whether you encounter it in a traditional Italian context or an innovative New World expression, Lagrein offers a compelling story in every glass – one that connects centuries of winemaking tradition with contemporary excellence.

For wine lovers seeking to expand their horizons, Lagrein represents not just a grape variety to try, but a gateway to understanding how ancient traditions can thrive in modern contexts, creating wines that are both historically significant and thoroughly contemporary in their appeal.