THE JEFFERSON CLUB - October 2020
This month, we explore the classic grape Cabernet Sauvignon from an unlikely location: Alois Lageder’s Lowengang Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from Alto Adige, Italy.
ALOIS LAGEDER
LOWENGANG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015
Producer: Alois Lageder
Winemakers: Jo Pfisterer, Georg Meissner, Paola Tenaglia
Region: ITA, Alto Adige, Magre
Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon with Carmenere, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc
Viticulture: sand and clay with limestone; 21 to 140 year-old vines; certified biodynamics
Method: aged in small and large format oak for several months; additional aging in bottle
Serving Suggestions: serve at 60-65 F
Age: drink 2020-2030
Nose: raspberry, red bell pepper, spice
Palate: bright fruit, lively, minerality
Finish: lingering acidity, supple tannins
fun fact
Cabernet Sauvignon produces unique chemical compounds called pyrazines (methoxypyrazine), which yields “green” notes in wine. In cooler climates, like Italy’s Alto Adige, it can be more indicative of green bell pepper; whereas in warm climates, like Napa, it becomes much riper tending towards tobacco and mint.
Why I am excited about this wine
Alois Lageder is one of my favorite producers in Alto Adige, possibly in my top ten across Italy. Their care in the vineyard comes to its utmost expression with their home estate of Lowengang. This fresh, red-fruit driven Cabernet Sauvignon is very “classic” in style; that is, it tends more towards the historic Bordeaux presentation of Cab. Sauv. as opposed to the overripe, richly structured style found on Napa’s valley floor. Additionally, you rarely see Cabernet Sauvignon grown on such rich limestone soils. Upon first tasting, the unique texture that limestone soils provides strikes your tongue pleasantly!
To learn more about Alois Lageder, check out our previous blog here!