The 2007 Lagrein ("la-grine") was conceived after Bill and his wife, Susan, experienced their first taste of this Alpine native on its own soil. While common in Northeast Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region, lagrein is seldom seen elsewhere. It may be a cross between schiava and teroldego. Bill thinks his production is the largest outside of Italy.

In addition to being a bit of a stranger in a very strange land, lagrein results in wines, whether made here or there, that there is no neutrality about. Much like gewürztraminer, people either love it or loathe it. It typically has a very pungent, almost barnyardy, quality that many think is disgusting (to be honest about it), and others embrace. Regardless of which side of the fence one ends up on, the one thing that can be said about Bill's lagrein is that it would be accepted as authentic if a bottle were opened in Trento. High praise.

The ’07 Lagrein shows dusty, loamy and deep notes of blueberry, chocolate and orange peel. Its fresh acidity allows it to pair well with stews, and grilled and roasted meats.

STATS:

Alcohol 13.5%

1,040-case production

18 months neutral French oak

GET IT AT

California Wine Merchants

Royal Wine Merchants

Sea Grape Wine Shop

Dovetail

Henry's

L'École