On the nose, vinous with plum and sour cherry flavours. In the mouth, lean, acidic and slightly astringent, with a drying, sour finish. Not much aftertaste.
Lagrein is an ancient grape variety that is most probably native to Alto Adige, the northernmost wine producing region of Italy. It can deliver full bodied wines with a deep and dense color. When well made, Lagrein wines can offer an off-the-beaten-path alternative to more diffused kind of full bodied wine, like the Cabernet Sauvignon based ones.
Most of Alto Adige’s wines are produced by cooperatives and covered by a DOC title.
Kellerei Terlan, the producer of this Alto Adige DOC, is a leading winemaker in the region and is regarded as one of the best cooperative in Italy. This in itself is pretty unique, given the fact that too often the wines produced by cooperative are inferior to the ones made by private producer. A situation that unfortunately is not unique to Italy.
Cantina Terlano was founded in 1893 and nowadays has some 150 growers contributing their grapes to a production that is split 70:30 between white and red wines.
I bought this bottle for 11.50 EUR at a Supermarket in Italy, I find it a simple, but well-made wine that probably pairs well with charcuterie.
Country: Italy
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
Grapes: Lagrein
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Kellerei Terlan/Cantina Terlano
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5