Alois Lageder

Six Generations of Wine Culture

The story begins in 1823, when Johann Lageder started trading in wine in Bolzano. His great-grandson Alois III recognised the potential of the warmer south and acquired the Löwengang estate in Margreid in 1934 – still the heart of the winery today. After his death, his daughter Wendelgard and her husband Luis von Dellemann took over management together with Alois IV. Today, Clemens Lageder (born 1987) stands at the helm, supported by his sisters Helena and Anna.

Pioneers of Biodynamics

As early as the 1970s, Alois Lageder experimented with organic viticulture – inspired by his mother, who managed the family garden biodynamically. In 2004, all estate vineyards were officially converted to Demeter-certified organic viticulture. "Today, the farm cycle, soil fertility and social responsibility are at the forefront," explains Clemens Lageder of the philosophy. The flower meadows between the vine rows are not decoration, but part of a holistic ecosystem. Since 2024, all around 60 contract growers have worked exclusively organically or biodynamically – a milestone for the entire region. At the other end of the scale stands Pranzegg: Martin Gojer manages just four hectares of steep slopes above Bolzano, where Ouessant sheep keep the grass between the pergola vines short.

The Comet Revolution

With the Comet line, Clemens Lageder deliberately breaks with convention. The wines bear no vintage numbers in the classical sense, but rather Roman numerals such as "XXI" or "XXIII". The LUI XXI Comet Bianco is a Sauvignon Blanc with natural vinification and spontaneous fermentation. The PRE CHA XXIII surprises with spectacularly low alcohol content. And the LIL' KRA XXIII shows how elegant a red wine can be.

Terroir Between the Dolomites and Lake Garda

Margreid lies in the southernmost part of South Tyrol, where Mediterranean influences meet alpine coolness. The 55 hectares of estate ownership plus 85 hectares of contract growers extend across various vineyard sites and altitude levels. Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Lagrein and Chardonnay form the classic portfolio. The Misto Mare unites several grape varieties into a vibrant white wine that captures the diversity of the terroir in a single glass. When you drink Lageder, you taste not only excellent wine, but also the conviction that quality can only emerge from healthy soils.