2024 Girlan Lagrein, Alto-Adige

Girlan Lagrein is a beautifully expressive red from Alto Adige, a region where alpine air, bright sunshine and dramatic mountain vineyards give wines both intensity and freshness. Lagrein is one of northern Italy’s great native grapes, thriving in the warm valley floors and gravelly soils around Bolzano, where it develops deep colour, dark fruit and a distinctive savoury edge while retaining lively acidity.

Cantina Girlan is one of Alto Adige’s most respected historic wineries, founded in 1923 and still focused on small grower parcels and meticulous vineyard work. Their Lagrein comes from carefully selected sites on well drained alluvial and sandy soils, allowing the variety to show both power and elegance rather than heaviness.

In the glass, the wine is deeply coloured and aromatic, showing blackberry, dark cherry and plum, lifted by violets, cocoa and a hint of alpine herbs. The palate is rich yet finely shaped, with velvety tannins, bright acidity and a long, gently savoury finish. There is real depth here, but also a freshness that keeps it lively and food friendly.

This is a natural partner for food. Grilled sausages, roast pork, game meats, speck, mushroom dishes or rich alpine style cooking all work beautifully with its dark fruit and savoury spice.

Girlan Lagrein drinks well in its youth for its vibrant fruit and texture, but it will also develop more complexity over five to eight years, gaining earthy and spicy nuances with time. It is a wonderful expression of both Lagrein and the unique alpine terroir of Alto Adige.