Alois Lageder

The Riff project is a co-operation between Alois Lageder and local winegrowers in Veneto, where the grapes also thrive in selected vineyard sites. On its label, the segments of stylised ammonites tell the story of the formation of the mountainous landscape on which the vines for the Pinot Gris Riff now stand: From the ocean with its coral reefs to the unique terroir, in which many fossils of former ocean dwellers can still be discovered today.

At a time when South Tyrol was considered a red wine region until the 1970s, Vernatsch played the leading role – an indigenous grape variety that is now experiencing a masterful renaissance in the hands of Alois Lageder. This characterful red wine comes from selected vineyards in Kaltern and Kurtatsch, situated between 300 and 400 metres above sea level, and the grapes come from organically cultivated vineyards. 2024 marks a historic milestone: for the first time, all 60 winegrower partners of the winery are working organically or biodynamically – a triumph of sustainable philosophy despite the challenging, rainy growing season. Traditional pergola cultivation, which offers the shade-loving grapes optimal conditions, still characterises the vineyards on the gravelly, chalky soils today.

A wine like an ecosystem: "Misto Mare" is no ordinary white wine, but a polyphonic poem of nature from Alois Lageder. The blend combines grapes from over 14 white and red grape varieties from organically or biodynamically cultivated vineyards that are still in the process of converting to organic certification. The grapes come from a wide range of altitudes in South Tyrol – a reflection of regional diversity, captured in a single wine. The name "Misto Mare" refers to the geological past: Around 200 million years ago, South Tyrol was covered by a primordial sea. Today, vines grow there on what was once seabed, their complexity reminiscent of the former depths and the complex balance of marine habitats.

For decades, Margreid has been considered the Merlot Eldorado of South Tyrol – and Alois Lageder as its master. On the gentle slopes between 230 and 320 metres above sea level, where the first international vines were planted back in 1934, Merlots of impressive clarity are produced. The bouquet reveals intense notes of wild berries and plums, interspersed with fine spices and a hint of graphite. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and velvety, with a lively freshness and a lingering fruity final. SUPERIORE.DE

On the Löwenpass, where merchants once crossed paths, wines of pure drinking pleasure are produced today. This organically produced cuvée combines four grape varieties to create an exciting pleasure experience: Müller Thurgau forms the fresh backbone, Pinot Grigio provides the structure, while Moscato Giallo and Gewürztraminer add subtle aromatic accents. Sourced from vineyards between Magreid and the Eisack Valley, the grapes ferment spontaneously in stainless steel tanks and mature for four months on the fine lees. The result is characterised by lively freshness and a playful lightness. Delicate elderflower meets juicy pear, framed by mineral notes from the dolomite soils. A white wine that perfectly embodies Lageder's philosophy of uncomplicated but always high-quality enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

Documented since 1370, Lagrein epitomises authentic South Tyrol like no other grape variety. This autochthonous variety, related to Syrah and resulting from a natural cross with Teroldego, finds optimal conditions in the alluvial soils of Bolzano, Ora and Magreid. The natural cultivation of the selected partner farms respects the characteristic intensity of this Burgundy-coloured variety. Traditional mash fermentation at a controlled temperature in steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and twelve months of ageing in large wooden barrels, results in a Lagrein with a classic character.

At the Löwenpass, tradition and lightness meet in a red wine of enchanting informality. Produced biodynamically according to Demeter guidelines, this cuvée combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Petit Verdot and the autochthonous Vernatsch to create a harmonious quartet of different characters. Grapes with a natural freshness come from the calcareous gravel soils of Margreid between 230 and 320 metres above sea level. Careful vinification with mash fermentation at controlled temperatures and twelve months of ageing in large barrels preserves the lively fruitiness.

The spectacular steep slope of Römigberg rises high above Lake Kaltern – a location that comes particularly close to the ideal of a closed farm organisation. Here, oxen graze between the vines and the traditional pergola training protects the thin-skinned Vernatsch grapes from intense sunlight. On gravel-rich dolomite limestone between 250 and 330 metres, a Vernatsch of exceptional finesse is produced under biodynamic Demeter cultivation. The spontaneous mash fermentation in wooden barrels and stainless steel tanks, partly on whole grapes, gives this autochthonous South Tyrolean classic a special complexity. Ruby red in colour with purple reflections, it has subtle aromas of red berries and violets. Elegant and balanced on the palate, with silky tannins and lively freshness – a versatile classic for every occasion. SUPERIORE.DE

The Vogelmaierhof is enthroned high above Lake Kaltern, where cool downdraughts blow through the side valley and give the Goldmuskateller its characteristic freshness. This organically farmed plot of land between 300 and 400 metres above sea level is a secret favourite in the Lageder range. The dry vinification process brings out the aromatic grape variety's full typicality: some of the grapes are fermented as whole bunches, while the rest matures for six months on the fine lees in stainless steel.

South of Margreid lies the "15er" vineyard, which is characterised by deposits from the Fenner stream and the Adige river and has been planted largely with Merlot vines since 1957. Its location enjoys particularly good aeration thanks to the warm wind from Lake Garda, the Ora, which gives the wine a delicate structure and great finesse. Cherry red in colour with a ruby red sheen. Impressive bouquet of concentrated fruit, pepper and vegetal notes. The body is pleasantly medium-bodied, precise and balanced, with a fine bittersweet flavour and convincing freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

The Lageder family has only been cultivating Lagrein on the geologically fascinating Margreider Schuttkegel for around ten years – thus opening up a completely new terroir for this indigenous grape variety. Conus, Latin for cone, refers to this unusual formation of dolomite limestone and gravelly sand between 230 and 320 metres. The biodynamic Demeter cultivation of the site promotes vines of particular stability and depth. After spontaneous fermentation, the Lagrein matures for twelve months, partly in stainless steel and partly in small wooden barrels.

The Lageder family now only makes one Sauvignon Bianco, and it belongs to the "Compositions" line. It gets its complexity from the wide variety of different clones in the vineyards. The majority of these are situated at an altitude of over 400 metres and are based on limestone soil on the one hand and volcanic weathered rock on the other. The different source rocks and the variety of vines led the Lageders to name the wine. This is because it consists of fragments from the best organic and biodynamic vineyards, which are married to form a whole. Its salinity and crisp freshness are highly drinkable and make this fresh and sublime South Tyrolean Sauvignon Blanc a very special experience. SUPERIORE.DE

Verso l'alto – upwards. The name reveals the philosophy behind this Pinot Bianco, which is the result of the tension between two fundamentally different worlds. On the one hand, the Bassa Atesina near Salorno and Magrè: calcareous soils, Mediterranean warmth, vines on both banks of the Adige. On the other, Dorf Tirol near Meran: volcanic rock, alpine climate, a completely different energy. Alois Clemens Lageder, sixth generation at Tòr Löwengang, calls such wines "compositions" – deliberate arrangements of contrasts that only develop their full tension when they interact.

For decades, the Porer vineyard on the Margreider Schuttkegel has been the source of Lageder's most refined interpretation of Pinot Grigio. Grapes of exceptional complexity ripen between 230 and 240 metres, where stony, sandy and highly calcareous soil with dramatic day-night temperature fluctuations creates a unique microclimate. The organic cultivation of this single vineyard follows strict principles of sustainability. The secret of Porer lies in its three-part vinification: one third is pressed immediately, another part remains on the skins for 15 hours, while the last component macerates with stems and skins for up to eight months. This orchestrated composition of different textures gives the wine its characteristic tension. Six months of ageing on the fine lees in stainless steel round off the complex flavour profile.

The name Gaun takes us back to the 17th century, when the noble family of the same name owned the Löwengang estate – a tribute to the historical roots of Lageder's ancestral home. Since 1934, when Alois III planted the first Chardonnay vines in Margreid, this interpretation has been considered a pioneer for international grape varieties in South Tyrol. The chalky gravel soils around Margreid, Kurtatsch and Salurn, where Mediterranean influences meet Alpine coolness, produce grapes of exceptional minerality. During vinification, Lageder focusses on salinity and tension: part of the wine is fermented spontaneously with whole grapes, whereby tannins from the skins and stems accentuate the natural freshness.

On the sand – the name already reveals the secret of this extraordinary interpretation of Gewürztraminer. A work of art of aromatic perfection springs from the sandy, calcareous soils of various locations in the lowlands between 240 and 370 metres. From Tramin to the Margreider Schuttkegel to Lake Kaltern and the Eisack Valley, Lageder combines the many facets of this traditional grape variety into a harmonious composition. The biodynamic Demeter cultivation of these selected plots follows the natural rhythms of the landscape. The secret lies in the staggered harvest: As the southern sites are all very hot, Lageder deliberately sets early accents and harvests the grapes at different stages of ripeness – sometimes even with noble rot. One part is vinified spontaneously with whole grapes, the rest matures for nine months partly in stainless steel and partly in large wooden barrels on the fine lees.

Fórra, an elegant small-batch white wine, is made purely from Manzoni Bianco and has an interesting history and an exciting development. Lageder's project with this grape variety began several years ago and resulted in the crossing of Rhine Riesling and Pinot Bianco. Traditional methods were used in the cellar to ensure freshness and vibrancy. Contact with the skins over several days sharpens the profile of the wine. After spontaneous fermentation, Fórra remains on its lees in wooden barrels for several months. Fórra exudes all this passion and love, all this experience and craftsmanship - a wonderful, great pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

The name "Mimuèt" (to my taste) comes from Ladin. Convinced that South Tyrol offers the best conditions for the Pinot Noir grape variety, Alois Lageder paid particular attention to it at a very early stage. His goal is to produce wines with precision, lightness and filigree structure. Garnet red with ruby reflexes. Pinot Noir Mimuèt smells of ripe black cherries, flowers and spices. On the palate, elegant, almost light on its feet, with a multi-layered, soft finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Surmont is the successor to Rain Riesling. As in the past, some of the grapes come from the South Tyrolean lowlands, while the other part now comes from the Isarco Valley from high and cool locations on soils of volcanic origin, which give the wine a fresher, almost alpine style. Bright, straw-yellow colour with a slight greenish tinge. Clean, distinct, fragrant varietal aroma with fine fruity notes (peach, pear). Balanced, medium-bodied. Fresh, juicy finish. The racy acidity is harmoniously integrated into the fruit structure. A wonderful Riesling italico in small quantities. SUPERIORE.DE

"LUI XXI" is a rare voice from the heart of Alois Lageder's vineyard thinking. The small parcel from which it originates has been producing exceptional harvestfor years – it is one of the hottest and most labour-intensive sites in the family. The planting material is special, the cultivation demanding and the fruit quality uncompromising. In 2021, the decision was made to bottle the result separately – pure, unadorned and clear as mountain air. The grapes were harvested on 25 August: half as whole bunches, half destemmed and gently crushed. After five days of maceration, both fractions were pressed together and transferred to a single 13-hectolitre wooden barrel. Fermentation, malolactic fermentation and maturation on the lees took place there for a total of eleven months. The wine was bottled in August 2022 – unfiltered and minimally agitated, with maximum expression of origin.