What kind of wine is Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan is a red wine of great personality, an authentic expression of the Lagrein grape, one of the oldest native grape varieties of Alto Adige. Produced by Cantina di Terlano, one of the most prestigious wineries in the region, this wine comes from a careful selection of three historic vineyards, characterized by volcanic soils rich in porphyry — the stone that gives the wine its name.

The result is a red of extraordinary intensity and structure, symbolizing the balance between power and finesse that distinguishes the great Lagrein wines of the Alto Adige region.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with good diurnal temperature variations that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The harvest, which took place towards the end of September, allowed for perfectly healthy and concentrated bunches, capable of best expressing the typicity of Lagrein. The fruits showed aromatic richness and elegant tannic structure, elements that make this vintage particularly harmonious.

Winemaking and Aging

After a controlled fermentation in steel tanks with a long maceration on the skins (a phase in which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and aromas), the wine is transferred to French oak barriques where it ages for about 18 months. Aging continues in the bottle, allowing the Lagrein Riserva 'Porphyr' to develop complexity and smoothness. This wood maturation process helps to soften the tannins and enrich the aromatic profile with elegant spicy and toasted notes.

Tasting Notes

Color

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan appears in the glass with an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of concentration and maturity. The brilliance of the color already speaks of its energy and vitality.

Nose

On the nose, it emanates a broad and enveloping aroma: ripe wild berries such as blackberry and blueberry blend with elegant hints of cocoa, vanilla, leather, and a balsamic note. With aeration, deeper nuances of sweet spices and mineral notes emerge, recalling the porphyritic nature of the soil.

Palate

On the palate, it is powerful but harmonious, with a full body and a velvety tannic texture. The typical savoriness of Alto Adige wines supports the sip, providing balance and a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and refined, with fruity and spicy returns that invite another taste.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan

This Lagrein Riserva is a wine that can accompany an entire meal, perfect for enhancing rich and decisive dishes. Ideal pairings include:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Game and traditional stews
• Aged hard cheeses
• Typical Alto Adige dishes such as speck, canederli (dumplings), or goulash

Its important structure also makes it an excellent meditation wine, to be slowly savored in a large glass.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan

To fully appreciate its evolution, it is advisable to store the Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Porphyr' 2022 - Terlan in a cool environment, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from light sources and vibrations. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork properly moist.

Thanks to its structure and wood aging, this wine has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve positively in the bottle for over 10 years, developing increasingly complex and refined aromas. A safe investment for those looking for a wine capable of telling time with elegance and intensity.