What kind of wine is Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher?

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher is an elegant mountain red wine, made from an indigenous South Tyrolean grape variety with a determined and generous character. It is produced from Lagrein, a historic variety typical of the Bolzano area, interpreted here with balance and finesse by the Pfitscher family, a leading winery in the Montagna (BZ) area.

The “Griesfeld” vineyard is located at an altitude of about 300 meters, where the cool climate and porphyry soils give the wine structure and depth, but also a fruity and fragrant component that makes it harmonious and pleasant. This is a full-bodied Riserva, with ripe tannins and an elegant drinkability, capable of combining strength and aromatic precision.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Alto Adige was characterized by a balanced summer and wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, a factor that favored excellent phenolic ripening of the grapes. The result is a Lagrein Riserva with good concentration, clean fruity notes and an acidity that supports its freshness and longevity over time.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher are vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, to preserve the purity of the fruit. This is followed by a controlled maceration on the skins, necessary to extract color and soft tannins. Aging then continues in small oak barrels for about eight months: the wood serves to round off the taste profile without covering the freshness and varietal typicity of Lagrein.

Tasting Notes

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher is a deep and balanced wine that tells the authentic nature of its territory through intense aromas and a velvety structure.

Color

It presents a dense, almost impenetrable ruby color, with purplish reflections typical of the Lagrein grape variety. The brilliance of the color testifies to the wine's freshness and vivacity.

Nose

On the nose, it offers a broad and fine bouquet. Notes of ripe berries – blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry – stand out, accompanied by delicate spicy hints of vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of licorice, due to the aging in wood.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals a full and well-structured body. The tannins, which are naturally present in the grape skins and responsible for the astringent sensation, are soft and harmonious. The balanced acidity and the long and pleasant persistence conclude a tasting with a decided yet refined character.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher

This wine is best enjoyed with full-flavored and structured dishes. Here are some pairing ideas:

• grilled or braised red meats
• game and spiced roasts
• aged hard cheeses
• traditional South Tyrolean dishes such as speck or canederli with ragù

The Lagrein Riserva Pfitscher is also magnificently suited as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly in good company.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher wine

To best preserve a wine of this quality, it is important to pay attention to temperature, humidity, and bottle position. The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC “Griesfeld” 2021 - Pfitscher should be kept in a cellar at a constant temperature of about 14-16°C, horizontally, away from direct light and vibrations.

Thanks to its structure and balance, this Riserva has excellent aging potential: it can be left to age in the bottle for 6-8 years, developing increasingly complex and velvety notes over time.