A Journey Through the Wines of Alois Lageder Winery

Unveiling the Unique Taste of Alois Lageder’s Wines

Alois Lageder stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition in Italian winemaking, renowned for its dedication to biodynamic agriculture and a deep respect for nature. Established in 1823, the winery has been a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, upholding a holistic philosophy that balances cutting-edge experimentation with time-honored methods. Their motto, "working in harmony with nature," is more than a slogan—it's a guiding principle that influences every aspect of their production. Over six generations, Alois Lageder has become synonymous with impeccable quality, crafting wines that express remarkable character, elegance, and a true sense of place within the Alto Adige region. Today, the estate is celebrated not only for its fine wines but also for shaping the region’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the world of wine.

The Legacy of Alois Lageder in Alto Adige

With a vision anchored in both tradition and forward-thinking, Alois Lageder has consistently championed the potential of South Tyrol on the global wine stage. Their approach is marked by an impressive diversity of grape varieties, carefully chosen to honor the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. For decades, the Lageder family has led the way in sustainability and adaptation to climate change, becoming a reference point in South Tyrol. Their work in promoting a circular economy and their relentless pursuit of new grape varieties perfectly suited to the region’s evolving environment have ensured that their wines remain at the forefront of quality and innovation. This commitment not only preserves Alto Adige’s winemaking heritage but also inspires a new generation of producers to reach for higher standards.

Pioneering Sustainability at Lageder

At Alois Lageder, sustainability is a core value woven into the fabric of the winery’s operations. The estate has transitioned to using exclusively renewable energy sources, harnessing geothermal and solar power, and employing a large-scale solar plant to meet its energy needs. In addition to eco-friendly energy, the winery continues the ancient practice of transhumance, moving livestock seasonally to maintain healthy soils and biodiversity. These efforts showcase Lageder’s commitment to maintaining a balanced ecosystem, ensuring that their viticulture is not only environmentally responsible but also beneficial for future generations. It’s this blend of tradition and innovation that has made Lageder a model for sustainable winemaking in Italy and beyond.

Where to Find the Alois Lageder Estate

Nestled in the picturesque village of Magré along the famed Wine Road (La Strada del Vino), Alois Lageder’s winery is a cornerstone of the Oltradige–Bassa Atesina region. This area has a storied history of wine and fruit production, and Lageder’s estate is a testament to generations of dedication to the land. Now under the stewardship of the sixth generation, the winery’s philosophy of "clean" viticulture is not a passing trend but a deeply ingrained way of life. Visitors to Magré are welcomed into a world where tradition meets innovation, and where every bottle tells the story of the land and its people.

The Storied Past of Alois Lageder

The Lageder family’s association with wine dates back to the early 1800s, when they began selling wine in the heart of South Tyrol. Their legacy took a monumental leap in 1934 with the acquisition of the Löwengang estate in Magré, laying the foundation for a modern winery that would blend heritage with cutting-edge sustainability. The construction of a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly winery in 1995 marked a new era for the estate. In the 1970s, Alois IV Lageder, together with his sister, her husband, and acclaimed oenologist Luis von Dellemann, introduced rigorous production standards, propelling Lageder onto the international stage. The turn of the millennium saw a bold shift towards biodynamic farming, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, under the leadership of Alois Clemens Lageder (CEO) and his sister Helena (Chief Marketing Officer), the estate continues to honor its rich history while pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation.

The Vineyards: A Living Mosaic

Spanning 50 hectares, the Lageder vineyards are a testament to the winery’s dedication to biodynamic methods and environmental harmony. This transformation required a collective commitment from those who tend the vines, fostering a deep connection to the land. The estate’s vineyards are situated on the alluvial slopes of Magré and extend to the picturesque areas of Sella di Termeno, Lake Caldaro, Appiano, and Bolzano. Each parcel contributes unique characteristics, allowing the winery to craft wines that authentically express their terroir. The holistic philosophy at Lageder goes beyond grapes, integrating livestock and natural cycles to foster biodiversity and soil vitality. This approach ensures that every vintage is a reflection of both careful stewardship and the dynamic spirit of Alto Adige.

The Artisans Behind the Wines of Lageder

At the heart of Alois Lageder’s success is a dedicated team of experts who blend tradition with innovation. The winemaking process is guided by Jo Pfisterer and Alois Clemens Lageder himself, ensuring that each wine reflects the estate’s core values and meticulous standards. In the vineyards, Katharina Alverà (Winegrowing Partner & Head of Agriculture) and Maximilian Feichter (Head of Farming Organization) oversee biodynamic practices, nurturing the vines with a careful balance of science and intuition. Their combined expertise ensures that every bottle embodies the harmony and vitality of the land, making Alois Lageder’s wines a true expression of South Tyrolean craft and innovation.

The Diverse Wine Styles of Cantina Alois Lageder

Alois Lageder’s portfolio is defined by freshness, vibrancy, and unmistakable personality across all their wines. Their range is organized into four distinct tiers, each reflecting the rich winemaking heritage and diversity of South Tyrol:

• Classic Grape Varieties – Showcasing the authentic character of the region, these wines are primarily produced from estate-grown grapes and highlight the unique features of each terroir.
• Compositions – These blends exemplify creativity and mastery in winemaking, combining different varietals and techniques to craft wines of remarkable depth and intrigue.
• Masterpieces – Crafted from the most exceptional vineyards, this collection emphasizes the distinctiveness of each site, creating limited-edition wines that are benchmarks of quality and expression.
• Comets – An experimental tier that captures the pioneering spirit of the winery, featuring innovative varietals and bold explorations in both vineyard and cellar.

Classic Grape Varieties: Celebrating Terroir

The "Classic Grape Varieties" line is an homage to the region’s authentic flavors. Whites such as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Müller Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc are crafted with minimal intervention, using stainless steel and allowing the fine lees to impart texture and complexity. The reds—Schiava, Lagrein, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon—are vinified with careful maceration and a blend of stainless steel, wooden barrels, and concrete vats for around 12 months. Spontaneous fermentation and thoughtful aging practices ensure that each wine maintains its natural vibrancy while faithfully representing its origin.

Compositions: Innovative Blends

The "Compositions" series takes creativity to the next level, incorporating grape varieties like Moscato Giallo and Manzoni in addition to the classics. This collection is defined by its inventive approach to aging, fermentation, and blending, often bringing together grapes from different plots to create wines with layered complexity and distinctive profiles. These are wines for the adventurous palate, reflecting Lageder’s commitment to exploration and discovery.

Masterpieces: The Essence of the Vineyard

The "Masterpieces" range invites wine lovers to experience the uniqueness of specific vineyards. Here, varieties like Petit Manseng, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne join the estate’s classics in limited bottlings that celebrate the synergy between land and vine. These wines are produced with utmost attention to detail, often integrating the natural rhythms of the farm, including animal husbandry, to enhance the ecosystem’s health and the wine’s depth.

Comets: Exploring the Future of Wine

The "Comets" line represents Alois Lageder’s spirit of innovation and curiosity. Featuring varieties like Sylvaner and Chenin Blanc, this experimental collection is dedicated to researching how grape varieties adapt to the region’s climate over the next decades. These limited releases offer a glimpse into the future of South Tyrolean wine, combining scientific inquiry with a passion for the unknown.

Signature Wines from Alois Lageder: The Icons

Löwengang Chardonnay: A Flagship of Excellence

Löwengang Chardonnay is the wine that put Alois Lageder—and South Tyrol’s whites—on the world map. This wine is celebrated for its elegant aromatics, nuanced minerality, and deep, lingering flavors. With a history rooted in the estate’s acquisition of the Löwengang vineyard in 1934, this Chardonnay stands as a testament to the winery’s pursuit of excellence, offering a rich tapestry of finesse and character in every glass.

Cor Römigberg: Redefined Cabernet Sauvignon

Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that exemplifies the estate’s mastery of red winemaking. With a lineage tracing back to the best Bordeaux traditions, this wine dazzles with its refined structure, silky tannins, and an intriguing vegetal note. It is a true showcase of Lageder’s ability to blend Old World elegance with Alto Adige’s unique terroir, consistently earning acclaim among wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

Krafuss: The Charm of Pinot Noir

Krafuss Pinot Noir is cherished as a classic in the Alto Adige repertoire. This wine reveals the delicate balance between fruit and spice, offering a vibrant bouquet, a savory palate, and a thoughtfully structured finish. Its roots are deeply embedded in the Krafuss estate, a site known for producing Pinot Noir of remarkable purity and harmony. This wine is a must-try for lovers of refined, expressive reds.

Why Choose Alois Lageder Wines?

Drinking a wine from Alois Lageder means experiencing more than just a taste—it is an immersion into a philosophy where balance, creativity, and sustainability converge. Through their interdisciplinary approach, the Lageder family creates wines that not only delight the senses but also foster a vibrant cultural and environmental community. Their commitment to harmony—be it ecological, artistic, or even musical—makes each bottle an ambassador for a better, more mindful future in wine. Discovering Alois Lageder wines is an invitation to celebrate the rich traditions of Alto Adige while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.