Lagrein (2012) - Cantina Gries
In the heart of Bolzano, Cantina Gries guards a secret rooted in the past. Lagrein, a grape variety native to Alto Adige, has a fascinating history going back to the Middle Ages. The Benedictine monks who settled in the Gries area are said to have been among the first to grow these vines, recognising their unique potential. With its 2012 vintage, Cantina Gries carries on that centuries-old tradition, making a wine that pays tribute to the history and wine culture of the region. A link between past and present, where every bottle tells a story of dedication and passion.

Lagrein (2012) - Cantina Gries
Type: Red Wine
Area: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano
Appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Grape variety: Lagrein
Vintage: 2012
Winery: Cantina Gries
Alcohol: 13.5%
The appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Alto Adige DOC (Südtirol DOC in German) is one of the most prestigious and best-known appellations in Italy for the production of top-quality white and red wines. Established in 1975, this DOC covers the entire winegrowing territory of the autonomous province of Bolzano and forms a mosaic of micro-areas and grape varieties, characterised by varying altitudes, wide temperature swings and complex soils. The strength of Alto Adige DOC lies in its extraordinary variety and in its ability to express freshness, elegance and aromatic precision, in both whites and reds.
Find out more about Alto Adige DOCWhat to eat with Lagrein
Who makes it: Cantina Gries
Cantina Gries is in the heart of Alto Adige, in Bolzano, Italy. This winery is an example of how winemaking tradition can blend with innovation, creating wines that express the authenticity of the land.Its production is marked by the pursuit of quality and respect for the environment, with strong ties to the Alto Adige DOC appellation. Cantina Gries' philosophy is based on: Tradition and innovation, a combination that enriches every bottle Attention to terroir, with vineyards that benefit from the unique climate of Alto Adige Sustainability, an ongoing commitment to a better future Wines for every occasion, made to be shared and enjoyed
Read more about Cantina GriesThe vine of Lagrein
Lagrein
Lagrein is a black grape variety originally from Alto Adige, in Italy, known for its ability to produce wines of great character and complexity. This variety is particularly prized for its versatility, which makes it possible to obtain both still and sparkling wines, each with a distinctive aromatic profile. It is now grown in other regions too, but it is in the Dolomites that it best expresses its potential.
Find out moreLagrein: the Bolzano area

Bolzano
The Bolzano area, in the heart of the Alps, is a real gem for wine lovers. This wine district has a distinctive climate, where Alpine influences mix with Mediterranean ones, creating ideal conditions for growing a range of grape varieties. Bolzano's winemaking tradition is an old one, rooted in centuries of history, with a strong presence of native grape varieties that speak of the local terroir. The wines of Bolzano are known for their freshness and minerality, thanks to the limestone- and clay-rich soils of the area.
Read more about BolzanoClimate: Alpine
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Lagrein
Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet
Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A full-bodied red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, typical of the Alto Adige region.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Medium-high |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Lagrein
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Lagrein
In cask (7–18 months)
Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Lagrein
- No contact with the lees