Lagrein
Also known as: Lagrein Dunkel, Lagrein Scuro, Lagreiner, Burgunder Lagrein
Lagrein
Summary
Lagrein is Alto Adige’s most serious indigenous red grape variety, producing deeply colored, full-bodied wines with distinctive smoky, chocolate, and dark fruit character from the warm valley floors around Bolzano. With approximately 500 hectares planted almost exclusively in this small alpine region, Lagrein represents the antithesis of the region’s light, delicate Schiava—concentrated, tannic, and capable of extended aging. The variety excels both as a rosé (Lagrein Kretzer) and as a powerful, barrel-aged red (Lagrein Dunkel). DNA studies have confirmed Lagrein’s relationship to Teroldego, placing it within an important Alpine genetic family.
Identity & Synonyms
VIVC: Entry #6467
Berry Color: NOIR
Style Designations (German/Italian):
- Lagrein Dunkel / Lagrein Scuro = Dark (red wine style)
- Lagrein Kretzer / Lagrein Rosato = Rosé style
Primary Synonyms:
- Lagreiner (German variant)
- Burgunder Lagrein (historical misnomer—not related to Pinot)
Name Origin: Possibly from Lagarina Valley (Val Lagarina in Trentino), though the variety is most associated with Bolzano further north.
Genetic Origin
Origin: Alto Adige, Italy (around Bolzano)
Genetic Relationships:
- Related to Teroldego: Confirmed genetic relationship (same family)
- Alpine Family: Part of a group of indigenous alpine varieties
- Possible Connection: Through Teroldego, distantly related to Syrah
Historical: Documented in Alto Adige since at least the 16th century, though likely much older. The variety has remained geographically limited due to specific climatic requirements.
Global Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~500 hectares
| Region | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alto Adige | ~450 | Primary zone; Gries specialty |
| Trentino | ~50 | Limited plantings |
| International | Minimal | Experimental only |
Concentration: Almost exclusively in the Bolzano area of Alto Adige, making it one of Italy’s most geographically limited quality varieties.
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium to high
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Late (excellent frost protection)
- Flowering: Mid-late
- Véraison: Late
- Harvest: Late (October)
Cluster and Berry
- Cluster Size: Medium to large, cylindrical-conical
- Cluster Density: Compact
- Berry Size: Medium
- Skin Thickness: Thick (high anthocyanin content)
- Skin Color: Blue-black with heavy bloom
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Cool alpine with warm valley floor microclimate
- Heat Summation: 1,600-2,000 GDD (base 10°C)
- Critical Factor: Warm microclimate essential (Bolzano basin)
- Altitude: 200-400m (valley floor preferred)
- Diurnal Variation: Significant; cool nights preserve acidity
The Bolzano Microclimate
The Bolzano basin provides unique conditions:
- Geography: Protected valley surrounded by alps
- Temperature: Italy’s warmest city in summer
- Wind: Föhn winds bring warm air
- Effect: Mediterranean-like conditions in alpine setting
- Result: Full ripeness for this late-ripening variety
The Gries Cru
The village of Gries (now part of Bolzano) is considered the finest zone:
- Location: Southwestern Bolzano
- Soils: Porphyry and gravel
- Microclimate: Warmest area; south-facing
- History: Lagrein heartland for centuries
Soil Preferences
- Ideal: Porphyry (volcanic) and alluvial gravel
- Traditional: Sandy-loam with gravel (excellent drainage)
- Effect: Good drainage controls vigor
- Avoid: Heavy clay (excessive vigor)
Disease Susceptibility
- Downy Mildew: Moderate to high susceptibility
- Powdery Mildew: Moderate susceptibility
- Botrytis: High susceptibility (compact clusters)
- Drought: Moderate tolerance
Viticultural Management
- Training: Traditional pergola (pergola trentina) being replaced by VSP/Guyot
- Pruning: Moderate bud load
- Yield Control: Essential for quality; 8-10 tonnes/ha
- Canopy Management: Open canopy for botrytis prevention
- Green Harvest: Often necessary for concentration
Rootstock Compatibility
- Preferred: Kober 5BB, SO4 (moderate vigor)
- Compatible: 420A, 110R
- Consideration: Control vigor on fertile valley soils
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Kretzer (Rosé) | Dunkel (Red) |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 20-22° | 22-25° |
| pH | 3.2-3.5 | 3.3-3.6 |
| Titratable Acidity | 6.0-7.5 g/L | 5.5-7.0 g/L |
| YAN | 180-250 mg/L | 180-250 mg/L |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: VERY HIGH (exceptionally deep color)
- Total Tannins: High (firm, structured)
- Key Anthocyanins: Malvidin-3-glucoside dominant
- Color Stability: Excellent
Aroma Compounds
- Terpenes: Minor contribution
- C13-Norisoprenoids: β-damascenone, β-ionone
- Methoxypyrazines: Present if underripe
- Distinctive: Chocolate/cocoa compounds (varietal marker)
The Chocolate Character
Lagrein’s distinctive chocolate notes derive from:
- Lactone compounds: Similar to cocoa
- Oak influence: Enhanced by barrique aging
- Terroir: Porphyry soils may contribute
- Identification: Key varietal marker
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Robust strains; preserve varietal character
- Temperature: 26-30°C for Dunkel
- Duration: 10-21 days
- Maceration: Extended (14-28 days) for full extraction
- Cap Management: Regular punch-downs; avoid over-extraction
Wine Styles
Lagrein Dunkel (Red)
- Maceration: Extended (14-28 days)
- Oak Aging: 12-24 months (French or Slavonian)
- Character: Deep, tannic, chocolate, smoke
- Aging Potential: 5-15+ years
Lagrein Kretzer (Rosé)
- Method: Direct press or short maceration (4-12 hours)
- Fermentation: Cool (14-18°C)
- Oak: None
- Character: Deep color, red fruit, fresh
- Style: Among Alto Adige’s finest rosés
Malolactic Fermentation
- Timing: Post-alcoholic fermentation
- Completion: Essential for Dunkel
- Effect: Softens tannins; rounds wine
Oak Aging
- Traditional: Large Slavonian oak (botti)
- Modern: French barriques increasingly common
- Duration: 12-24 months for Dunkel
- New Oak: Variable (20-60% for premium)
- Effect: Enhances chocolate notes; polishes tannins
Sensory Profile
Lagrein Dunkel
Visual
- Intensity: Very deep, nearly opaque
- Hue: Purple-ruby to garnet
- Aging: Maintains depth with age
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Blackberry, black cherry, plum, blueberry |
| Distinctive | CHOCOLATE, cocoa, coffee |
| Spice | Black pepper, clove, licorice |
| Smoke | SMOKY, tar, graphite |
| Floral | Dried violet |
| Earth | Mineral, earthy |
| Aged | Tobacco, leather, cedar |
Palate
- Body: Full
- Acidity: Medium to medium-high
- Tannins: Firm, well-structured
- Alcohol: Moderate to high (13-14.5%)
- Finish: Long with chocolate/smoky persistence
Lagrein Kretzer (Rosé)
Character
- Deep salmon to coral color
- Red cherry, raspberry, herbs
- Medium body, fresh acidity
- Clean, mineral finish
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Botrytis Risk: Compact clusters in humid conditions
- Vigor Control: High vigor on fertile soils
- Extraction Management: Avoid over-extraction
- Climate Limitation: Requires specific warm microclimate
- Market Position: Regional recognition only
Opportunities
- Unique Character: No direct competitor (chocolate/smoke)
- Quality Range: Both excellent rosé and serious red
- Food Affinity: Excellent with local cuisine
- Alpine Identity: Growing interest in alpine wines
- Value: Underpriced for quality level
Winemaking Tips
- Harvest at full phenolic ripeness
- For Dunkel: extended maceration but avoid harsh seed tannins
- For Kretzer: press early for freshness; avoid excessive color
- French oak enhances chocolate notes
- Allow bottle aging before release (Dunkel: 2+ years)
Key Appellation
Alto Adige DOC / Südtirol DOC
- Established: 1975
- Location: Alto Adige region (Trentino-Alto Adige)
- Bilingual: German (Südtirol) and Italian names used
- Lagrein Styles: Dunkel (Scuro), Kretzer (Rosato)
Quality Designations
| Designation | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Lagrein | Basic; 85% minimum Lagrein |
| Lagrein Dunkel | Red wine style |
| Lagrein Kretzer | Rosé style |
| Lagrein Riserva | Extended aging; premium selection |
Gries / Grieser
- Status: Unofficial “cru” for Lagrein
- Location: Southwestern Bolzano
- Quality: Considered finest Lagrein zone
- Character: Most concentrated, age-worthy
Food Pairing
Lagrein Dunkel pairs excellently with:
- Speck Alto Adige (local cured ham)
- Wild game (venison, boar)
- Grilled meats
- Aged mountain cheeses
- Canederli (bread dumplings)
- Mushroom dishes
- Dark chocolate desserts (echoes wine’s character)
Lagrein Kretzer pairs with:
- Antipasti
- Light pasta dishes
- Fresh cheeses
- Grilled fish
Comparison with Alpine Reds
| Characteristic | Lagrein | Teroldego | Schiava |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Very Deep | Very Deep | Pale |
| Body | Full | Full | Light |
| Tannins | High | High | Low |
| Key Note | Chocolate | Bitter Almond | Soft Fruit |
| Age-Worthiness | 5-15 years | 5-15 years | 1-3 years |
Sources
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). Wine Grapes. Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Consorzio Vini Alto Adige
- Grando, M.S., & Frisinghelli, C. (2000). Genetic characterization of Italian grape varieties. AJEV 51(1). AJEV Link
- Mattivi, F., et al. (2006). Metabolite profiling of alpine grape varieties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 54(20). ACS Link
Last Updated: January 13, 2026