Alanna Lagamba
Flonheim - Rheinhessen
Hailing from Toronto in Canada, Alanna moved to Germany after graduating from University. Whilst working in a natural wine bar in Berlin she met her future partner Martin Woerner of Marto Wines at a wine fair. Later she went to visit Marto at his home, & the rest, as they (& Alanna) say, is history.
Based in Flonheim, which is about one hour south-west of Frankfurt, Alanna is in the heart of Rheinhessen, the largest wine region in Germany. 95% of the region is dedicated to wine production, & whilst a wealth of wine history & tradition surrounds, Alanna’s approach to farming & her vinification methods are symbolic of the newer wave of next generation winemakers in Germany who want to lighten their impact on the earth, work towards sustainability & transparency & who aren’t afraid of a little individuality in the cellar or in the bottle.
Alanna helps to farm & produce the wines for Marto’s label, but she’d craved a project of her own to pour her labour & ideas into. She’d hoped to get started with some pinot noir, but when dornfelder was offered up instead, she still seized the chance, & with a playful nod to her Italian heritage the first Frauen Power was born, “a German style Lambrusco!”.
She sources fruit from the family Woerner estate that she helps to maintain, the land is treated with utmost care & soil health is paramount. Planted with diverse cover crops, the vineyards see no ploughing & are grazed with livestock to keep the grass at bay & the soil fertilised. In the cellar Alanna works without additions or preservatives of any kind, & the resulting wines are as energetic & individual as she is. - E.B.
