NYT on Lagrein

one of those grapes I just don't seek out enough, though I generally enjoy, I'll work on that!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/dinin ... ref=dining

I see that #1 wine (Merlau, new one to me) is imported by Oliver McCrum. Congratulations! I don't usually see your labels in NY.

apparently he went to the alto adige tasting in NY and got the idea to gather Lagrein's for the group tasting. can't believe you can find that many in NYC - wow. i went to the same tasting in chicago and was impressed by Lagrein - don't remember having tasted it before. was even more impressed with Gewurz and Pinot Noir and others. my favorites were the Manincor and Elena Walch. this is a region i really must visit - must be beautiful and i really like the wines.

Thanks, Dale. There aren't very many wine journalists whose opinions I respect, and Asimov's one of them, so I was very pleased.

this [Alto Adige] is a region i really must visit - must be beautiful and i really like the wines.

My wish too. The northeast Italy (Friulano)/western Slovenia area whetted my appetite for Alto Adige. Take good notes when you go about travel, places to stay, good producers, etc. I'll do the same.

There are some plantings in CA, but the examples I've tried were over the top, and not very European.

I thought it a pretty good/interesting article as well. To my palate, Lagrein has a lot of earthy character, typical of the AltoAdige reds,
a lot like Lemberger/Blaufrankish. I also think some of the world's best Riesling & GWT are coming out of the AltoAdige as well,
old-timey/dry/acid, much like they used to make in Alsace until the Z-H style took reign.
Tom

There are some plantings in CA, but the examples I've tried were over the top, and not very European.

There's one planting I know of in Oregon. Remy Wines makes it, either a varietal Lagrein, or in a blend with Syrah and Merlot.

Haven't had the Lagrein itself, but the blend is damned good! Worth seeking out. I've reccoed it to lots of people up here, and gotten great response from those who have tried it.

And btw, there's Teroldego Rotaliano as well, down in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon.

And btw, there's Teroldego Rotaliano as well, down in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon.

Red Tail Ridge is growing Teroldego in the Finger Lakes. Right now they make a red sparkling wine from it, but they told me they plan to eventually make a still Teroldego as well.

And btw, there's Teroldego Rotaliano as well, down in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon.

Just Teroldego, I think, Rotaliano would be quite a trick

And btw, there's Teroldego Rotaliano as well, down in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon.

Just Teroldego, I think, Rotaliano would be quite a trick

Oliver, I thought Teroldego Rotaliano was the 'official' name of the grape variety. Not so?

I think you'll find that the Campo Rotaliano is a plain near Mezzacorona, in Trentino. It's the most famous terroir for Teroldego.

[Robin Garr]

There are some plantings in CA, but the examples I've tried were over the top, and not very European.

I'm pretty sure Mosby makes a decent one that's not "Parkerized."

Going through my cellar today I noticed we have an admittedly over the top Tobin James Lagrein ('06) ready to drink this year. According to their literature, right up to current vintages, there are five Lagrein vineyards in California; which may be of interest to some. Will have to look for the Mosby.

OK, we popped the '06 TJ tonight. It wasn't as bad as we anticipated; quite good in fact. It was only 13.8% alky. It matched very well with rib eye steak, bread, and salad.