Weingut Nusserhof Sudtirol Lagrein Riserva 2005
-
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Lagrein is an old native grape, dating back at least 600 years. Heinrich's Riservas are made with an idea to preserve the full-bodied, freshly aromatic woodland berry character of the grape. He does not use any barriques and the wine is bottled a year or so after the harvest and then aged in bottle before release. DOC law allows for a Riserva to be sold 3 years after the harvest at the earliest. It is a deliciously round wine that is served well by decanting for aeration.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Lagrein Riserva is one of the more unique versions of this wine being made in Alto Adige. Texturally the wine conveys a transparency and lightness that recalls Pinot Noir, but the aromas and flavors are clearly those of Lagrein. The wine bursts onto the palate with an explosion of vibrant dark cherries, sweet herbs, earthiness and game framed by firm, yet well-integrated tannins. Initially there is a wild, almost animalistic quality to this Lagrein, yet as the wine sits in the glass it becomes more and more harmonious and the rustic notes fade into the background. This is not an easy wine by any means, but readers looking for a complex Lagrein of notable pedigree will undoubtedly find much to admire here. For optimal enjoyment the wine should be opened 30-60 minutes prior to serving. Needless to say, this is great effort from Nusserhof. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. I can’t say enough good things about the wines of this small estate except to remind readers that these offerings are essential drinking for anyone who wants to get a sense of the artisan tradition in Alto Adige at its very finest.
Other Vintages
2017- Vinous
Incredibly concentrated and uncommonly sturdy in character, Lagrein has roots in the Alto Adige area and has recently experienced a great renaissance in popularity. While the climate is cool there, the sun is intense on the region’s steep slopes. Warm hillsides near the bustling city of Bolzano create the perfect environment for the production of intense reds from Lagrein. Somm Secret— Lagrein Kretzer (German) or Rosato (Italian) is the spicy rosé version, which is delicious with smoked fish and white meat.
A mountainous northern Italian region heavily influenced by German culture, Trentino-Alto Adige is actually made up of two separate but similar regions: Alto Adige and Trentino.
Trentino, the southern half, is primarily Italian-speaking and largely responsible for the production of non-native, international grapes. There is a significant quantity of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot produced. But Trentino's native and most unique red variety, Teroldego, while still rare, is gaining popularity. It produces a deeply colored red wine rich in wild blackberry, herb, coffee and cocoa.
The rugged terrain of German-speaking Alto Adige (also referred to as Südtirol) focuses on small-scale viticulture, with great value placed on local varieties—though international varieties have been widely planted since the 1800s. Sheltered by the Alps from harsh northerly winds, many of the best vineyards are at extreme altitude but on steep slopes to increase sunlight exposure.
Dominant red varieties include the bold, herbaceous Lagrein and delicate, strawberry-kissed, Schiava, in addition to some Pinot Nero.
The primary white grapes are Pinot grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc, as well as smaller plantings of Sauvignon blanc, Müller Thurgau. These tend to be bright and refreshing with crisp acidity and just the right amount of texture. Some of the highest quality Pinot grigio in Italy is made here.