About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Gewürztraminer is selected from vertical espalier-trained vineyards at 450–550 metres above sea level, planted at approximately 5,500 vines per hectare. The soils are gravelly and sandy, partly loamy, with calcium-carbonate deposits; the technical profile also describes a combination of alluvial sand, clay and calcareous material. Yield is 49 hl/ha.
Grapes
Gewürztraminer.
Vinification
The grapes are destemmed, crushed and cold-macerated before gentle pressing. The juice ferments in stainless-steel tanks at 18°C.
Ageing
The young wine refines on its fine lees for 12 months, followed by another six months in bottle before release.
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.5% vol. Total acidity: 4.8 g/L. Residual sugar: 4.5 g/L.
Tasting profile
Full yellow in colour, with an intense floral bouquet and notes of honey, ginger and lychee. Further aromatic nuances include rose petals, nutmeg, cinnamon, ripe orange and lemon balm. The palate is full-bodied, luscious and dry, with a silky texture and vibrant, firm acidity balancing its opulence. The wine is robust, elegant and well balanced.
Serving and pairing
Serve lightly chilled at 10–12°C. Pair with Chinese or Thai cuisine, creamy Indian curries, foie gras, duck, lobster, crayfish, Gorgonzola or Stilton. It can also be served for parties and informal social occasions. Cellaring potential is 6–8 years.
Label / history
Luis Raifer developed the Lafóa concept after returning from a study trip to California in the 1980s. His work emphasized lower yields and healthy, concentrated grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon became the first wine in the line, while Gewürztraminer joined with the 2015 vintage.
The Lafóa label was created by the Guardenti art-design studio of Lucca in the early 1990s. Its central image reproduces a bronze sculptural column by Guido Anton Muss at the entrance to Luis Raifer’s farmhouse. The figure represents the farmstead’s guardian spirit and the natural forces behind plant growth, while the Art Nouveau-inspired background evokes the role of natural elements in Lafóa wines.
