SLO LIFE Oct/Nov 2020
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| WINE NOTES<br />
take a<br />
chance<br />
BY ANDRIA MCGHEE<br />
When we are out wine tasting, we hear the<br />
names Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon,<br />
Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio all the time.<br />
I thought I would invite Lagrein, a red wine<br />
grape variety, to the party and introduce you<br />
to a new flavor palette. It’s similar to Petite<br />
Sirah though it stands on its own with a<br />
dark berry twist. See the potential in a new<br />
friend and find out if it’s a match.<br />
Originally, the thick-skinned grape was grown in the northern Italian region<br />
called Alto Adige (high up). Known as the meeting point of the Alpine and<br />
the Mediterranean and one of Italy’s smallest wine growing regions, it nuzzles<br />
up to beautifully jagged peaks of the Dolomites on the Swiss and Austrian<br />
border. The region is known for their aromatic whites, such as Riesling and<br />
Pinot Grigio—Lagrein is similarly fragrant and won’t disappoint. The soil is<br />
laced with limestone, similar<br />
to the famous soil in Paso<br />
Robles where we find Lagrein<br />
locally grown in French Camp<br />
Vineyards. Wines from Lagrein<br />
grapes tend to be strong and<br />
full-bodied with flavors of plum<br />
and wild cherry. When made<br />
well, Lagrein wines can offer an<br />
interesting, off-the-beaten-path<br />
alternative to more well-known<br />
wines like those made from<br />
Cabernet Sauvignon. Our<br />
local winemakers have made<br />
something truly lovely with<br />
these bold, dark berry flavors. >><br />
ANDRIA MCGHEE received<br />
her advanced degree in<br />
wines and spirits from<br />
WSET in London and enjoys<br />
travel, food, wine, and<br />
exercise as a means to enjoy<br />
those around her.<br />
88 | <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>LIFE</strong> MAGAZINE | OCT/NOV <strong>2020</strong>
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