Lagrein

Definition: Lagrein is a red wine grape that hails from northern Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is a cousin of Pinot Noir and Syrah. It typically puts forth a fairly red to dark berry fruit flavor on the palate, along with a rugged earthiness and a good bit of pepper. Lagrein can be a little rougher around the edges than it's Pinot Noir and Syrah relatives, with a fairly tannic profile. As a wine with a more acidic nature, it tends to put its best food forward with food. Give Lagrein a go with fish, poultry, game, or a few slices of dry-cured speck, its favorite hometown ham (basically Alto Adige's version of prosciutto or similar to Spain's famed jamón).