Oxs Lagrein DOC - Niklaserhof

In the glass, the Oxs Lagrein DOC - Niklaserhof shimmers in deep, dark purple with violet reflections at the rim. The rich core evokes ripe black berries and promises dense aromatics. The first swirls release aromas that immediately captivate.

On the nose, an intense fragrance of blackberry, juicy blueberry and ripe raspberry unfolds. Dark cherry, a touch of elderberry and a hint of sloe join in. Delicate underlying notes of violet, dried rose petals and a touch of cocoa add finesse. Spicy nuances of black pepper, liquorice, cedarwood and a hint of tobacco round out the complex bouquet. A delicate, cool minerality recalls wet stones and fresh earth after summer rain.

On the palate, the Oxs Lagrein DOC - Niklaserhof is dense, powerful and yet finely defined. Ripe dark fruit provides the structure. Blackberry and blueberry dominate, while raspberry contributes juicy freshness. Black cherry, cassis and a touch of plum mingle with them. The tannins offer grip, yet feel silky, well integrated and seamlessly woven in. The acidity is lively and supports the wine with a clear line.

The texture is full, juicy and concentrated, yet elegant rather than heavy. On the mid-palate, spicy notes become more prominent: pepper, clove and a hint of dark chocolate. A fine shimmer of vanilla and toasted hazelnut suggests discreet use of oak without overshadowing the fruit. The style remains typically Alto Adige: clear, powerful, yet precise and straightforward.

The finish is long and aromatic. Dark berry fruit, subtle toasted notes and a delicately bitter cocoa tone remain present for a long time. A fine graphite note provides tension through to the final impression. This Lagrein thus reveals itself as a wine of great character, an ambassador for its origins, with a distinctive yet refined structure.

The Alto Adige DOC provides ideal conditions for this indigenous grape variety. Cooler downslope winds from the mountains and many hours of sunshine meet permeable gravel and moraine soils. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and expressively. The Lagrein grape naturally brings dark colour, intense berry fruit and pronounced tannins. In Alto Adige, it gains additional freshness and elegance thanks to the altitude.

The typical aromas that define the character of this wine can be summarised as follows:

• dark berry fruit such as blackberry, blueberry and black cherry
• red accents of raspberry and sour cherry
• spicy notes of pepper, liquorice and a touch of tobacco
• fine toasted aromas, cocoa and a hint of vanilla
• subtle floral nuances of violet and dried flowers

The style of the wine is firmly rooted in the Old World tradition. The focus is on origin, structure and depth rather than mere abundance of fruit. The Lagrein from Niklaserhof shows a clear edge, but also charm and finesse. The result is a wine that delights connoisseurs while immediately appealing to curious explorers.

This wine is suitable for many occasions at the table. A few particularly appealing moments bring its strengths brilliantly to the fore:

1. as a characterful red wine with an autumnal or winter menu
2. for a relaxed evening with friends over pasta and cheese
3. as an expressive gift for lovers of the Alto Adige region
4. as an accompaniment to refined cuisine featuring dark meat

Production of the Oxs Lagrein DOC from Niklaserhof

The grapes for the Oxs Lagrein DOC - Niklaserhof come from selected sites around Caldaro in South Tyrol. Here, an Alpine climate meets Mediterranean influences. Warm days ensure ripe aromas, while cool nights preserve freshness and structure. The vines are rooted in sandy, loamy soils with gravel and porphyry rock. This combination lends density, minerality and delicate spice.

As an indigenous grape variety of Alto Adige, Lagrein shows its full potential here. The thick-skinned berries provide intense colour and firm tannins. At the same time, the climate delivers juicy fruit and invigorating acidity. Niklaserhof places great value on low yields and ripe grapes. This creates concentration in the must while preserving clear aromatics.

The harvest is generally carried out selectively and by hand. Only fully ripe grapes enter the cellar. Gentle harvesting in small containers prevents pressure and oxidation. At the winery, the grapes are first carefully sorted on the sorting table. Defective berries and stems are removed from the harvested material.

The destemmed grapes are transferred to stainless-steel or concrete fermentation vessels. There, alcoholic fermentation begins at controlled temperatures. The maceration period is relatively long in order to gently extract colour, tannins and aromas from the skins. Regular punch-downs or pump-overs of the cap ensure gentle extraction and fine tannins.

Once fermentation is complete, the young wine is drawn off the mash. Part of it matures in stainless-steel tanks, while another part presumably matures in wooden casks or barriques. This ageing lends structure, additional depth and subtle notes of vanilla, cocoa and toast. Maturation on the fine lees adds volume, a creamier texture and harmonious smoothness. The tannins become rounder, while the aromatics gain complexity.

Malolactic fermentation results in a softer mouthfeel and an even more harmonious acid structure. Before bottling, the wine undergoes careful clarification and a resting period. This allows it to reach the customer with an ideal balance of fruit, spice, structure and elegance. Niklaserhof’s commitment to quality is evident in every detail. The aim is to create a Lagrein that clearly expresses its origins, grape variety and house style.

Serving Suggestions for the Oxs Lagrein DOC from Niklaserhof

The Oxs Lagrein DOC accompanies powerful, flavour-rich dishes with impressive poise. Its dark berry fruit, peppery spice and firm body harmonise particularly well with hearty cuisine. It is at its best with braised beef, braised leg of lamb or game ragout. Pan-roasted duck breast or braised veal cheeks also find an ideal partner here.

The combination with pasta in a rich sauce is particularly harmonious. Tagliatelle with ragù, lasagne or gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce suit it exceptionally well. Grilled or braised vegetables such as peppers, aubergine, courgette or porcini mushrooms find a powerful counterpart in the wine. Mature hard cheeses from the Alps, such as mountain cheese or flavourful alpine cheese, are equally excellent matches.

For meat-free cuisine, this Lagrein offers exciting options. Try it with porcini mushroom risotto, polenta with braised tomato sauce or oven-baked aubergine with Mediterranean herbs. It also shows its strengths alongside flavourful pizza topped with bacon, salami or robust mushrooms.

The wine is suitable for relaxed evenings with friends, festive family celebrations or as a dependable companion to a multi-course menu. As a gift for lovers of Italian red wines, it is sure to delight and inspire long conversations at the table.

The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees. With young vintages, brief decanting is recommended. This allows the aromas to unfold more quickly and the tannins to feel even smoother. A generously shaped red wine glass with a slightly tapered opening supports the intense nose and dense structure.

The wine already offers great enjoyment when young, but develops additional depth and maturity over several years in the cellar. Notes of dried fruit, leather and tobacco then become more prominent. Under good storage conditions, the Oxs Lagrein DOC from Niklaserhof remains highly enjoyable and full of character even after several years.

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