Alois Lageder Schiava 24

The Alps’ answer to chilled Beaujolais. Alois Lageder has been the standard-bearer of Alto Adige since 1823 — six generations in the village of Magrè, and biodynamic pioneers who converted the family vineyards back in the 1990s, decades ahead of the curve. Schiava (known as Vernatsch to the region’s German speakers) is the Südtirol’s beloved native light red, and Lageder’s comes from traditional pergola-trained vines on gravelly, limestone-rich slopes in Caldaro and Cortaccia: macerated gently in stainless steel, softened with six months of malolactic in concrete, and bottled at a feather-light 11%. It’s ruby-bright and dangerously drinkable — fresh red cherry, violets, and a tick of white pepper over juicy, soft, fully dry fruit with barely-there tannins. Put a light chill on it and it goes everywhere: charcuterie, pizza, roast chicken, salmon, even alongside speck and alpine cheese as the locals do.

Wine Details:

Grapes: 100% Schiava (Vernatsch)

ABV: 11%

Region: Alto Adige DOC (Südtirol), Italy — Caldaro & Cortaccia vineyards

Farming / Practices: Biodynamic farming (family vineyards converted in the 1990s); certified organic; pergola-trained vines, stainless maceration + 6 months malolactic in concrete

Producer: Alois Lageder — family estate since 1823, Magrè; 6th generation

Bottle Size: 750ml