Lagrein is a red wine grape variety native to the valleys of South Tyrol, northern Italy. Despite its rarity, it's prized for producing deeply colored, rich red wines with strong tannins and high acidity. The wines from Lagrein grape exhibit flavors of wild cherry, raspberry, violets, and a hint of earthiness.
On the nose, Lagrein often has a unique mix of floral and mineral tones. Some winemakers also use the Lagrein grape to produce rosé wines, known as "Lagrein Kretzer" or "Lagrein Rosato". The varietal wines tend to have a strong character and excellent aging potential.
Those looking for a bit of a change from more conventional reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would likely find themselves very pleasantly surprised with Lagrein. The combination of the full-bodied intensity of the dark fruit flavors, together with the typically high acidity and pronounced tannins, makes it perfect to pair with hearty meat dishes, game, or richly flavored cheeses.
