Girlan Alto Adige Lagrein 2018

At its best Lagrein can produce some of the Alto Adige's most striking reds. This is a fabulous example. Drawn from vineyards within the sandy Bassa Atesina terroir, a canton of the mountainous Südtiroler Unterland, this is a fragrant, beautifully balanced red that is both pulpy textured and vibrantly fresh with some powdery tannins playing their role. The 2018 was raised in in large wooden barrels and concrete vats for eight months. Expect plenty of spicy, mineral, dark cherry, bitter chocolate and sap notes on the complex and driven palate. Imagine a dark, inky Beaujolais and you’ll be coming close to the style on offer here. There’s a nice twist of (ripe) tannins that will meld beautifully with the right food and the finish is perfumed and incredibly moreish. It should match brilliantly well with simply prepared grilled and roast meats, game and a variety of hard cheeses. If you’ve never had a Lagrein that wowed, give this baby a go.