At a glance

Producer

Cantina Andriano (Kellerei Andrian)

Region

Alto Adige (Südtirol), Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Grape variety

Lagrein

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Intense dark berry and plum fruit, violet and cocoa notes, hints of pepper and wild herbs, well-integrated oak, robust structure.

Evolution: With age, develops more complex earthy and leather notes, softening tannins, and a rounder palate.

At peak: At peak, a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, earth, and savory notes with velvety structure and tertiary development.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high acidity, typical for Lagrein from Alto Adige

Tannins

Firm, ripe tannins providing significant structure

Alcohol

13.5-14% ABV (typical for this cuvée)

Aging potential

10-12 years; best 2027-2033, will hold through 2035

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2033

Optimal window

2025 to 2035

Current status

Can be enjoyed young but will improve with cellaring

Current condition

Youthful, structured, with potential for further development

Lagrein Riserva from quality producers such as Cantina Andriano has excellent aging potential due to high phenolic content, acidity, and careful élevage. While approachable in youth, it develops more complexity from its 5th to 12th year, explaining the extended drinking window compared to generic estimates for everyday wines.

Food pairing

Braised lamb shanks, venison, osso buco, wild boar ragù, hearty risottos with mushrooms, aged alpine cheeses (Puzzone di Moena, Asiago Stravecchio).

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting helps open up the intense fruit, smooth the tannins, and reveal subtle earthy/spice notes.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Cantina Andriano participates in the Alto Adige Sustainable Wine (Südtirol Wein Nachhaltigkeit) initiative, employing vineyard biodiversity measures, reduced chemical inputs, integrated pest management, water use monitoring, and lightweight glass bottles.

Cantina Andriano, as part of the Terlano group, follows regionally audited sustainability guidelines and focuses on minimal intervention and environmental stewardship in both vineyard and winery. They are not fully organic but emphasize eco-friendly viticulture, renewable energy in winery operations, and careful resource management. Their production scale and regional focus make them above average for sustainability, though not at the highest tier reserved for certified organic/biodynamic operations.