What is Lagrein? The Italian Cheese Washed in Wine

Lagrein is an exquisite Italian cheese that boasts a unique characteristic: it’s washed in wine. This practice lends the cheese a distinctive, robust flavor profile that has become a hallmark of this variety.

The name “Lagrein” actually originates from a red wine grape variety native to the valleys of South Tyrol in northern Italy. This grape, known for producing strong, full-bodied wines, shares its name with the cheese that’s bathed in it. The wine washing not only influences the taste but also the appearance, giving Lagrein cheese a striking exterior.

This culinary tradition of wine washing marries two of Italy’s greatest gastronomic treasures – cheese and wine – into a singular, delicious experience. The result is a cheese that carries the intensity of a quality Italian red within its creamy body, making Lagrein a truly unique addition to any cheeseboard.

Quick Facts About Lagrein

What is Lagrein?

Hidden in the heart of South Tyrol, Italy, lies a gastronomic gem that has been captivating the palates of cheese connoisseurs for centuries – Lagrein. This semi-soft, creamy cheese is as much a part of this region’s rich cultural heritage as the majestic Dolomite mountains surrounding it.

Lagrein is not your ordinary cheese. It’s a culinary masterpiece, crafted meticulously from cow’s milk and aged for a minimum of 60 days to achieve its unique flavor profile. But what sets Lagrein apart is its rind, which is washed in a mixture of spices and Lagrein red wine. This process imbues the cheese with an aromatic intensity and full-bodied flavor that’s hard to forget.

The result is a cheese that is creamy and smooth, with a pale yellow color that hints at its richness. Its taste is spicy and robust, conjuring up images of the rugged Alpine landscape from which it hails. Yet, despite its bold flavors, Lagrein possesses a certain elegance, thanks to the subtle notes of garlic and meat that linger on the tongue.

Served on a cheese platter, Lagrein can hold its own against any cheese in the world. Pair it with fruits or bread, and it takes on a whole new dimension, its complex flavors complementing and enhancing the taste of the accompaniments. And when paired with a glass of Lagrein red wine, from which it gets its name, it’s a match made in gastronomic heaven.

So, whether you’re a dedicated cheese lover or a curious foodie seeking out new experiences, Lagrein is a cheese that deserves a place on your table. It’s not just a cheese; it’s an embodiment of Italian tradition, a testament to the art of cheesemaking, and a sensory journey through the flavors of South Tyrol.

What Does Lagrein Taste Like?

Lagrein cheese has a full-bodied, robust taste that is somewhat spicy, likely due to the mixture of spices and Lagrein red wine in which its rind is washed during the aging process.

The cheese is also known for its distinct aromatic intensity. You can expect hints of garlic and meaty undertones that add depth to its overall flavor. Despite these strong flavors, Lagrein manages to maintain a certain elegance and smoothness, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

In terms of aftertaste, Lagrein leaves a lingering savory note, a testament to its rich, hearty character. When paired with the right food and wine, such as a glass of Lagrein red wine, the flavors of this cheese truly come alive, providing a gastronomic experience that is both unique and satisfying.

Lagrein Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Lagrein is pale yellow, with a distinctive rind that is washed in a mixture of spices and Lagrein red wine.
• Texture: The cheese offers a creamy and smooth texture that melts in the mouth.
• Aroma: The aroma of Lagrein is intense, with noticeable hints of garlic and undertones of meat.
• Flavor: Lagrein is known for its full-bodied, robust taste. It has a certain spiciness, likely due to the spice-infused wine wash of its rind.
• Aftertaste: The cheese leaves a lingering savory note, a testament to its rich, hearty character.
• Age: Aged for a minimum of 60 days, this aging period contributes to its unique flavor profile and creamy texture.

7 Best Lagrein Substitutes

What Pairs Well With Lagrein?

Food that goes well with Lagrein cheese:

• Meat: Speck, venison stew, braised veal cheek, flank steak, porchetta, Philly cheesesteak, Greek lamb. The hearty flavors of these meats pair well with the robust flavor of Lagrein cheese.
• Poultry: Chicken, game, veal, wildfowl. These lighter meats offer a nice contrast to the richness of Lagrein cheese.
• Seafood: Fatty fish like tuna and salmon. The rich, oily nature of these fish complements the bold flavors of Lagrein cheese.
• Cheese & Dairy: Goat cheese. While Lagrein cheese can certainly stand on its own, it can also be paired with other cheeses for a more diverse cheese platter.
• Pasta: Pasta dishes with medium-bodied or acidic sauces. The robustness of Lagrein cheese can stand up to flavorful pasta dishes.
• Vegetables: Roasted beet salad. The earthy flavors of roasted vegetables pair nicely with the creamy, rich Lagrein cheese.
• Spices: Mustard. Spices that have a bit of a kick, like mustard, can add a nice contrast to the smooth, creamy Lagrein cheese.
• Fruits: Fresh cherries. The sweetness of fresh fruits can balance out the savory, rich flavors of Lagrein cheese.
• Others: Shepherd’s pie, margherita pizza, pepperoni pizza. These hearty dishes pair well with the robust, creamy Lagrein cheese.

Beverage that goes well with Lagrein cheese:

• Lagrein Wine: The wine made from the same grape as Lagrein cheese is a natural pairing. Its bold, fruity flavors complement the cheese well.
• Bold Red Wines: Full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah can stand up to the strong flavors of Lagrein cheese.
• Lighter Red Wines: A lighter red like Pinot Noir can provide a nice contrast to the robust flavor of the cheese.
• Beer: Dark beers like stouts and porters can complement the rich, creamy nature of Lagrein cheese.
• Whiskey: A good quality whiskey can bring out the smoky undertones in the cheese.
• Cider: A dry cider can offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the cheese.
• Port: The sweetness of port can balance the savory, salty flavors of Lagrein cheese.

Also read: Top 10 Champagne & Cheese Pairings to Try at Least Once

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