“Vigna Steinraffler” Lagrein Alto Adige DOC 2020 · 6 bottles in OWC

Tenuta J. Hofstätter | South Tyrol
Weingut J. Hofstätter | Rathausplatz 7 | IT 39040 Tramin

01043420 · 4,5 l · 39,56 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

At the foot of the hills below Söll, the hamlet of Tramin, lies the Steinraffler – a single, precisely defined vineyard that gives the Lagrein exactly what it needs: sandy, gravelly moraine soils with limestone deposits and volcanic deposits. Dry, airy, heat-conducting. Ideal for a grape variety that requires concentration. The speciality of the microclimate: the exchange between the cool mountain winds from the Alps and the warm Ora, the wind from Lake Garda, which blows up from the south every day. This tension – coolness and warmth in the rhythm of the day – is the invisible winemaker of the Steinraffler. The Vigna label, which Hofstätter was the first house in Alto Adige to put on a label, stands for a single parcel, a single voice. The Steinraffler is the highest expression of Lagrein in the portfolio. 15 months in small oak barriques, then 7 months in large barrels – the wood provides structure and depth without overpowering the typical varietal fruit. Then at least twelve months in the bottle before the wine leaves the winery.

Deep garnet red colour, almost black at the core. Initially restrained and earthy-mineral on the nose, then a growing crescendo of ripe dark plums, spices and a hint of undergrowth. Dense, concentrated and pleasantly rustic on the palate – elegant nevertheless, with a long, mineral finish of great persistence. A single-vineyard Lagrein that only gradually reveals its character. SUPERIORE.DE

"A reductive, fragrant style. Complex dark fruit such as blackcurrants and cherries with licorice, bark and meaty depth. Fresh on the attack with medium body, toasted-pepper flavors, moderate acidity and chalky tannins. Milk-chocolate aftertaste." James Suckling

"Fresh mint brings cool brightness to dark fruits while violets turn to candy in the glass. Anise and licorice complete this circle, nothing competing, everything contributing. Balance found through unlikely companions." Wine Enthusiast