Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Bozen

A red wine with character and depth from the heart of South Tyrol: Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Bozen fills the glass with radiant ruby red that turns into dense garnet at the rim. Even with the first swirl, a dark, intense bouquet rises from the glass. Ripe blackberries and black cherries step to the fore, followed by cloves, black pepper and a hint of dark chocolate.

On the nose, this Lagrein from Alto Adige displays a gripping balance of fruit and spice. Alongside blackberry, aromas of cassis, plum, blueberry and dried cranberry unfold. The spicy notes are reminiscent of cloves, a touch of nutmeg, fine tobacco and roasted cocoa. In addition, there are light roasted nuances, vanilla bean and a trace of espresso that stem from the maturation in wood. A delicate floral note of violets and dark roses rounds off the bouquet elegantly.

On the palate, Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Bozen appears powerful and at the same time silky. The texture lays itself softly and smoothly over the tongue while the wine always remains clear and focused. Concentrated dark berry fruit, especially blackberry, sour cherry and ripe plum, meets spicy accents of cloves, liquorice and a hint of juniper. Fine dark chocolate and a touch of roasted hazelnut accompany the dense core.

The tannins present themselves as ripe, fine-grained and well integrated. They provide structure and grip without dominating the palate. The acidity appears fresh but not harsh and carries the fruit with a pleasant pull into the long finish. In the end, notes of blackberry jelly, cocoa, a touch of espresso and a fine, slightly smoky minerality from the sandy valley-floor soils around Bolzano remain.

The style of this Lagrein from Trentino–South Tyrol shows the Old World from its charming, precise side. The wine is fruit-driven and clearly structured, with elegant spice and juicy tension. The pure Lagrein grape from Alto Adige brings its typical strengths to the fore here: dark fruit, deep colour, powerful structure and yet a smooth, silky mouthfeel.

The sandy soils in the Alto Adige DOC subregion store warmth and release it slowly. The alpine climate with cool nights ensures aromatic depth and preserves freshness. The result is a red wine with impressive concentration that appears rich and complex but never ponderous. In the glass, this Lagrein proves to be a convincing ambassador of its origin, making South Tyrol perceptible with every sip.

For a first orientation regarding aromas and impression, a quick look at the key sensations on the palate helps:

• Intense dark berry fruit with a focus on blackberry and black cherry
• Noble spice of cloves, pepper, liquorice and fine tobacco
• Chocolatey notes of cocoa, espresso and roasted nuts
• Silky texture, ripe tannins and fresh, precise acidity
• Long, spicy-fruity finish with a slightly mineral note

To pinpoint the character of this Lagrein more precisely, it helps to look at style, structure and use at the table:

1. Powerful, dry red wine with Old World profile and clear terroir focus
2. Ideal for connoisseurs who appreciate dark fruit and fine spice
3. Perfect for moments of enjoyment with substantial meat dishes and aromatic cuisine

Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC - Kellerei Bozen, with 14 percent alcohol by volume and a silky-feeling fullness, presents a red wine for special moments. The Riserva quality brings structure and depth that will continue to develop in the bottle over the years. The fruit, the noble spice and the stylish use of wood remain in balance at all times.

Production of the Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC from Kellerei Bozen

The grapes come from selected Lagrein parcels around Bolzano in Alto Adige. Here the alpine climate of the Dolomites meets warm air currents from the south. The vines grow on sandy soils, partly with gravel content, which ensure good drainage and guide the roots deep into the subsoil. The result can be seen in concentrated grapes with aromatic richness and marked structure.

Lagrein is one of the oldest indigenous varieties of South Tyrol. By nature it displays intense colour, dark fruit, noticeable tannins and lively acidity. Kellerei Bozen vinifies the variety on its own here so that its character can speak without distraction. The grapes hang long on the vine and thus achieve fully ripe aromatics. Harvesting is selective, often in several passes, so that only the best berries make it into the cellar.

After the harvest, the grapes are quickly brought to the winery. There they undergo gentle destemming and crushing. The must remains on the skins for some time so that colour, tannins and aromas can pass into the wine. Fermentation takes place under temperature control so that the fruity and spicy notes remain clear and precise. Regular punching down or pumping over of the cap promotes even extraction.

After fermentation is complete, the young Lagrein matures longer on the lees and in wood as a Riserva. Ageing takes place in a combination of large wooden casks and selected barriques. The wood contributes structure, spice and fine roasted notes without overpowering the fruit. A longer maturation period in the cellar smooths the tannins and leads to the typically silky texture that makes this wine so appealing.

With this Prestige Line, Kellerei Bozen pursues a clear quality ambition. The aim is a Lagrein that expresses its South Tyrolean origin while remaining elegant and accessible. Concentration, yes, but not heaviness. Power, yes, but always accompanied by freshness, clarity and fine spice. The result is a red wine that already impresses in its youth and at the same time has reserves for long cellaring.

Serving recommendations for the Prestige Line Lagrein Riserva DOC from Kellerei Bozen

This Lagrein is a perfect match for robust dishes with deep aromatics. With braised beef, herb-crusted leg of lamb or game ragout, the wine reveals its full strength. The dark fruit meets the roasted aromas of the meat and, together with the spice, forms a harmonious unity. It becomes a classic companion to beef cheeks, ossobuco or briefly seared beef fillet with pepper sauce.

The wine also shows its talent with alpine cuisine. Try it with speck, mature mountain cheese, goulash, pot roast or hearty mushroom dishes with porcini. Lagrein also harmonises wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes featuring tomato and herbs. Pasta with ragù, lasagne, lamb chops with rosemary or stuffed peppers with minced meat are perfect partners.

Vegetarian connoisseurs can reach for baked aubergines, lentil stew, porcini risotto or oven-roasted root vegetables with herbs. Grilled polenta with mushroom ragout and mature hard cheese also provide an ideal stage for this red wine. At the end of a menu, it accompanies dark chocolate desserts with a high cocoa content and berry compote.

The Prestige Lagrein is well suited for festive dinners, Sunday roasts, multi-course menus or quiet evenings of enjoyment for two. It also makes a lasting impression as a gift for red wine lovers with a penchant for alpine terroir.

The ideal serving temperature lies between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. Slight chilling before serving brings freshness and clarity to the aromatics. In a decanter, the wine opens up further, especially in the first years after bottling. A large Bordeaux or Burgundy glass with a bulbous shape lets the aromas unfold freely and emphasizes the silky structure.

When stored in a cool, dark and quiet place, this Lagrein Riserva shows positive development for around ten years from the vintage. Over time, more spice, leather and tobacco notes appear, while the tannins become ever rounder. In this way, this wine accompanies many vintages and creates lasting moments of enjoyment, from this evening well into the future.

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