From: Colterenzio (Schreckbichl), Sudtirol-Alto Adige, Italy
Varietal: Lagrein
Tasting Notes: Colterenzio’s Lagrein presents a deep garnet hue with violet reflections, hinting at the intensity. The nose unfolds with fragrant notes of violets and ripe black woodland berries, such as bilberry and blackberry, intertwined with subtle hints of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with a spicy character that complements its velvety, ripe tannins. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a refined complexity marked by delicate traces of cinnamon and red berry fruits.
Pairing: Colterenzio’s Lagrein, with its deep, rich flavors and velvety tannins, pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Traditional pairings include hearty South Tyrolean fare such as speck, venison stew, rich goulash, and grilled lamb chops, which complement the wine's spicy undertones. Beyond these regional classics, Lagrein pairs wonderfully with dishes like slow-roasted pork shoulder, wild mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses. Its dark fruit and chocolate hints make it an excellent match for roasted eggplant with tahini or a savory beef short rib braise, highlighting the wine's versatility.
Zaalouk With Tahini
By Yotam Ottolenghi
About. Colterenzio Winery upholds the progressive spirit of Alto Adige, a relatively young winery with a story of innovation rather than tradition. Unlike many of the long- established, family-run estates in the region, Colterenzio emerged in 1960 when 26 winegrowers from the village of Colterenzio, in the heart of Appiano, banded together to form a cooperative. They aimed to free themselves from the prevailing wine merchants of the time and take control of their future. These visionaries named the cooperative after their small hamlet, Schreckbichl in German or Colterenzio in Italian. The man who would eventually shape the identity of this burgeoning winery was Luis Raifer, who assumed leadership in 1979.
Raifer returned from a study trip to California with ambitious plans to revolutionize winemaking in South Tyrol. The region was then known for its mass-produced red wines, but Raifer saw untapped potential. His vineyard, Lafóa, became a testing ground for his envisioned new quality standards. He boldly uprooted the traditional Vernatsch vines and planted Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Sauvignon Blanc. This step began a shift in both grape varietals and philosophy for Colterenzio. Raifer introduced lower yields for higher-quality grapes, and this meticulous approach extended to all cooperative members. Quality became the guiding principle, setting Colterenzio apart in a region undergoing its transformation.
The cooperative now encompasses over 300 partner winegrowers whose dedication to their vineyards is the backbone of the winery’s success. Each autumn, these families deliver hand-harvested grapes from the sun-drenched hills of Alto Adige, ensuring the continuity of Colterenzio's quality-driven ethos.
Colterenzio's modern wine cellar, constructed in 2010, reflects the winery’s commitment to tradition and innovation. Gravity plays a central role in the cellar’s design, gently moving the grapes through the various winemaking stages. This gentle process helps preserve the fruit's integrity, ensuring the final wines retain their distinctive varietal character and bouquet. Whether fermented in stainless steel, concrete, or wooden barrels, each wine is crafted precisely by cellar master Martin Lemayr and his team, who bring their passion and expertise to every step of the process.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Colterenzio’s operations. A major renovation in 2009 introduced renewable energy systems, including solar panels and a heat recovery system, allowing the winery to meet most of its energy and hot water needs from sustainable sources. The winery is now largely energy self-sufficient, reflecting its commitment to working in harmony with nature, much like its winegrowers in the vineyard.
At the heart of Colterenzio’s success is the unique terroir of South Tyrol, where the Alpine and Mediterranean climates converge to create ideal conditions for viticulture. Located in the Oltradige region, with its ancient winemaking history dating back to the 1200s, the cooperative's vineyards benefit from a complex mix of soil types, altitudes ranging from 230 to 650 meters, and climatic influences such as the warm winds from Lake Garda and the cool nights from the surrounding mountains. This combination of factors, along with 18,000 hours of sunlight annually, ensures that Colterenzio’s wines express the land's full potential.
Wine Notes: Colterenzio’s Lagrein is crafted from grapes grown in deep, medium- heavy clay and sandy soils, which provide the ideal foundation for this bold, expressive varietal. The yield is carefully managed at 85 hl/ha, ensuring a balance between quality and quantity. The winemaking process begins with an 8-day fermentation on the skins in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, allowing for optimal extraction of color and tannins. This is followed by malolactic fermentation, which softens the wine’s acidity and adds complexity. The wine then undergoes a few months of refinement in a combination of concrete tanks and large wooden casks, where it gains additional depth and structure before release.
