What kind of wine is Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Tor di Lupo' 2022 - Andriano

The Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Tor di Lupo' 2022 - Andriano is a red wine of great personality, an emblem of the elegance and strength of the Lagrein grape, indigenous to Alto Adige. Produced by the historic Cantina Andriano – the oldest wine cooperative in Alto Adige – it is made from selected grapes from the best plots, harvested at full ripeness to achieve an intense and harmonious profile.

This wine stands out for its full body, enveloping structure, and the balance between power and refinement. It is a red with a decisive character, telling the typicality of its territory and Andriano's long winemaking experience in every sip.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm but not excessive summers and good temperature fluctuations between day and night. These conditions favored the complete maturation of the Lagrein grapes, enhancing their aromatic concentration and tannin quality. The harvest, carried out by hand, allowed for precise selection of the bunches, ensuring only the best grapes for the production of 'Tor di Lupo'.

Winemaking and Aging

After a prolonged maceration on the skins – a phase that allows for the extraction of color and aromatic substances – the Lagrein Riserva 'Tor di Lupo' ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. This is followed by a long aging in oak barriques, during which the wine evolves, becoming rounder and developing a distinctive complexity. The subsequent rest in the bottle completes the process, giving it elegance and depth.

Tasting Notes

A wine of character, which seduces at first glance and fully captivates on tasting. Its sensory characteristics convey a perfect harmony between intensity and finesse.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with purplish reflections, dense and brilliant, a sign of youth and concentration.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex: aromas of ripe red fruits like blackberry, black cherry, and plum emerge, enriched by notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and a hint of vanilla from the wood aging. In the background, balsamic nuances and a pleasant mineral note are perceptible.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full, warm, and velvety. The tannins – the natural substances that give structure and a slight drying sensation – are fine and well-integrated. The persistence is long and harmonious, with an elegant finish of ripe fruit and spices.

What to pair with Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Tor di Lupo' 2022 - Andriano

Thanks to its structure and complexity, this Lagrein Riserva lends itself to various gastronomic pairings, ideal for important dinners or convivial moments. It pairs perfectly with:

• grilled or braised red meats;
• game and feathered game;
• aged hard cheeses;
• rich and flavorful dishes from Alto Adige cuisine.

A particularly successful pairing is with deer stew or a platter of aged cheeses accompanied by rye bread.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva DOC 'Tor di Lupo' 2022 - Andriano wine

To fully enjoy the characteristics of Tor di Lupo 2022, it is advisable to store it horizontally, in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and moderate humidity. Avoid thermal shocks and direct light sources.

This is a wine with excellent aging potential: it can evolve positively for 8-10 years, developing further aromatic nuances and greater softness. Before serving, it is suggested to open it at least half an hour in advance, to allow it to breathe and fully reveal its complexity.