# Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol DOC (2024)

- **Producer:** Kettmeir
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Lagrein
- **Region:** Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blueberry, plum, violet, black pepper, vanilla, charred wood, smoke, leather, tobacco, game

## About this wine

Founded in Caldaro in 1919 by Giuseppe Kettmeir, the historic Kettmeir estate is a cornerstone of South Tyrolean winemaking. While Kettmeir is internationally acclaimed for pioneering high-quality Metodo Classico sparkling wines in South Tyrol, they bring identical alpine precision to crafting the region's traditional still wines. Lagrein is one of Alto Adige's most beloved and ancient indigenous red grape varieties. Kettmeir vinifies their Lagrein to highlight its pure, primary alpine fruit and floral typicity, making it highly approachable, elegant, and refreshing while still preserving the natural, savory structure and rich color inherent to the grape.

## Interesting facts

- Lagrein is one of Alto Adige's most ancient indigenous red grape varieties.
- Kettmeir is renowned for pioneering high-quality Metodo Classico sparkling wines in South Tyrol.
- The 2024 vintage faced extreme weather, leading to reduced yields but enhanced freshness and aromatic definition.

## Food pairing

The savory structure, medium-plus body, and moderate tannins of this Lagrein make it an excellent companion for robust and flavorful dishes. Its dark fruit and subtle floral notes complement roasted meats and game, while its freshness cuts through richer preparations like pork knuckle and meat ragù. The wine's ability to pair with cured meats and aged cheeses highlights its versatility with savory, umami-rich foods.

## Wine making process

The 2024 Lagrein grapes are manually harvested during the first ten days of October from vineyards situated between 200 to 300 meters above sea level. The grapes undergo traditional red winemaking with skin contact/maceration for 8 to 10 days at controlled temperatures of 23–26 °C. Following maceration, the wine is aged for approximately 5 to 6 months in a combination of large oak casks and stainless steel vats before final bottling. The challenging 2024 growing season, marked by early frosts, spring mildew, and a hot, dry summer with significant diurnal temperature shifts, resulted in lower yields but exceptionally vibrant acidity and well-ripened tannins.