Grape variety
Lagrein

Lagrein is the oldest documented grape variety in South Tyrol - first mentioned in 1318. Its name is probably derived from Vallagarina, the southern Adige Valley. Originally, there was both a white and a blue Lagrein; it was not until the 17th century that the red wine variety became established, when classic mash fermentation came into use. The white Lagrein almost completely disappeared. Genetically, the blue Lagrein can be traced back to a cross between Teroldego and an unknown variety related to Vernatsch. Its high yield and robustness made it economically attractive early on. It still thrives best in the Bolzano valley basin in particular, where warm, gravelly soils offer ideal conditions. The variety is cultivated on around 540 hectares in South Tyrol - mainly around Bolzano, Caldaro, Termeno, Appiano and Ora. Other areas are cultivated in Trentino and in small trials in Germany, Australia, the USA and Argentina. Traditionally, Lagrein was used to make Kretzer - a salmon-coloured, strong rosé. It was not until the 1960s that the red wine began to gain in importance, gaining international recognition from the 1980s onwards when it was matured in barriques. Lagrein is characterised by its dark, garnet-red colour and aromas of cherries, violets, blackberries, dark chocolate and fresh black bread. Good wines show freshness, density and velvety tannins - an expression of a grape variety that has characterised the identity of South Tyrol for over 700 years.