Castel Firmian Lagrein 2023

Lagrein, as always, comes to the glass in deep, impenetrable shades of purple. Flavours and intensity are also deep, dark and inky. This is a grape which calls Trentino-Alto Adige in northeast Italy home and offers a challenge to winemakers with its high tannins. Firm, assertive tannins are a feature of this wine, but they are matched by the intensity of dark fruits and spices. It’s not a battle, it’s a partnership. Black plum, black berries, black cherry, dark spices, briar, ink, dried herb scents offer an unmistakable Italian Lagrein introduction. There’s an undoubted richness to the flavours that follow, matched nicely to layers of savoury leather, earth and smoked meats, but they remain in harmony with yet more layers of pan forte, dark chocolate, and high tone spices to follow. Complex? You bet.