Manincor Lagrein Rubatsch - Lovely Lagrein, Wines From Alto Adige Wine #2 • Reverse Wine Snob®

2009-Manincor-Lagrein-Rubatsch — Saturday Splurge!

100% Lagrein from Alto Adige, Italy.

SRP of $30 and available for as low as $25. Sample received courtesy Cornerstone Communications for review purposes.

From the winemaker:

“Lagrein Rubatsch – raised in its native vineyards. Colour and aroma which tell of blue woodland berries, velvetiness and length which causes us to forget time. Made from the native Lagrein grape.
Its complex aromas of blackberry and bilberry mingled with hints of plum, elderflower syrup and liquorice provide an early indication of the complexity this wine will develop with maturity. On the palate the tannins are assertive but the overall mouthfeel is velvety with deep, mellow fruit and impressive length.
13.0% Alcohol”

This is the first chance I’ve had to taste Lagrein, a variety that is indigenous to Alto Adige and pretty much only grown there. Within Alto Adige, it is the second most grown red variety. Lagrein is a grape that loves the heat so at first blush Alto Adige seems an odd place given how for north this area lies. However the Adige Valley actually has quite a warm climate with the Alps to the north helping to protect the area from bad weather. All this creates the ideal place for Lagrein to thrive.

The 2009 Manincor Lagrein Rubatsch begins with really nice aromas of violets, licorice and ripe mixed berries including a little mulberry. Tasting the wine reveals pretty much the exact same flavors as when smelling the wine but they absolutely come alive in your mouth. This really delicious wine has a great velvety texture with fine tannins and a great finish with good length. Day 2 was just as good if not better. I’m a fan of Lagrein!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.