2015 Lagrein Riserva Tor di Lupo Alto Adige Cantina Andrian

My favorite Lagrein pairings include my family's roast whole chicken recipe with potatoes and onions. This native grape from Northern Italy is especially well matched to the bold, simple and genuine flavors of home cooking. Cantina Andriano has created an excellent expression in this warm vintage. The 2015 Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva Tor di Lupo is one of the best Lagrein-based wines on the market today. Dark cherry and black fruit rise with seamless and broad-reaching intensity. The tannins are soft and sweet. The wine fans far and wide over the palate. Some 18,000 bottles were made. 2018 - 2025.

Fully saturated inky-ruby. Deep, austere aromas and flavors of black cherry and cassis, complemented by flint, coffee, herbs, tar and licorice. This is still very young and promises a long and slow development in the bottle, though it's so delicious it's hard not to guzzle down right now. For all its power, this knockout Lagrein is a remarkably refined wine.