At a glance

Producer

Alois Lageder

Region

Alto Adige, Italy

Grape variety

Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$45

Tasting profile

Red cherry, cranberry, wild strawberry aromas with subtle forest floor and herbal nuances.

Evolution: Will gain complexity with secondary notes of mushroom, dried herbs, and earth developing over next 5 years.

At peak: Soft tannins melded with integrated acidity delivering refined, elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, bright and refreshing

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained and silky

Alcohol

13.0%-13.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years with good cellaring, can develop complexity through slow evolution

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early drinking window

Current condition

The 2017 vintage is balancing developing tertiary notes with fresh vibrancy

The 2017 Alois Lageder Krafuss Pinot Nero is crafted from meticulously farmed vineyards in Alto Adige, known for cool mountain conditions that preserve Pinot Nero’s aromatic finesse and structure. With balanced acidity and medium tannins, the wine needs a few years post-bottling to harmonize fruit and earthy notes, achieving optimal maturity around 5-8 years after vintage. This timeline aligns with classic Pinot Nero aging profiles from the region, enhanced by Alois Lageder’s biodynamic and organic practices.

Food pairing

Excellent with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and dishes featuring thyme or rosemary. Also pairs well with mild cheeses such as Brie or Taleggio.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-63°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow the medium tannins to soften and aromatics to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Alois Lageder employs comprehensive sustainable farming practices including cover cropping, no synthetic pesticides, minimal intervention winemaking, solar energy use, and water conservation strategies.

Alois Lageder is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to biodynamic farming emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and natural ecosystem balance. Their energy-efficient winery uses renewable resources and water-saving equipment. Packaging choices focus on reducing environmental impact. These measures contribute to a high sustainability score for the 2017 Krafuss Pinot Nero.