Alois Lageder, Alto Adige (Italy) Pinot Grigio 2018

 The Lageder family has been making wines in Alto Adige since 1823 and today is led by the sixth generation, Clemens and Helena Lageder where biodynamic farming is a central part of the wine.  The family owns more than 135 acres of biodynamic certified vineyards and more than half of their 80 contract growers throughout the region are also biodynamic.  For the Lageders, wine should not be grown in a monoculture, but rather in a region of agricultural biodiversity.   Lucky for them, Alto Adige supplies up to 50% of the national Italian apple market.  However, they have also forged a transhumance  partnership with the local cheesemaker, allowing the dairy cows to graze in their vineyards in the winter, while in the summer the cows return to the mountain plains.  The wines of Alois Lageder reflect the commitment to purity and authenticity the family puts forth in both the vineyard and the cellar.  The 2018 Porer Pinot Grigio is a perfect example of this.  A blend of three different aging processes from classic to skin contact and whole cluster maceration.  A beautiful expression of on often dismissed grape variety.  This wine offers notes of green melon, citrus peel, yellow apple, and a hint of bitter almond.  Though fresh and crisp, the structure of this wine has a bit of grip that brings an added depth.