Lamarein 2011 - Josephus Mayr

Lamarein 2011 – Josephus Mayr

Josephus Mayr runs the Unterganzner farm at Cardano, just outside Bolzano, in a basin between the Renon and the Sciliar that is one of the warmest spots in Alto Adige. He is one of the leading growers of Lagrein, and Lamarein is his most original take on the grape.

The idea, dating from the 1990s, draws on Amarone: part of the Lagrein grapes is left to dry before vinification, concentrating sugar, colour and extract. The wine then ages at length in barriques, which round out its texture without masking the fruit.

The 2011, with more than ten years in bottle, is a rich, velvety Lagrein that has begun to evolve: dark fruit preserves, cocoa, sweet spice, notes of tobacco and liquorice, soft tannins. A red for meditation or for an important meal, with game, slow-cooked stews, blue or long-aged cheeses.

At a glance: Lagrein 100% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Josephus Mayr, Cardano (Bolzano)