Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The hillside vineyards lie in the Monte Vulture area around Venosa, Basilicata, at 450 m above sea level. Planted in 1995, the vines are espalier-trained and Guyot-pruned at 5,000 vines per hectare. The loose, dry volcanic soil has good structure and is predominantly tuffaceous, displaying the characteristic colour of pozzolanic terrain and a good mineral presence. Yield is restricted to 50 quintals per hectare.
Grapes
100% Aglianico del Vulture.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand into crates during the last ten days of October. Crushing and destemming are followed by 15–20 days of skin maceration at 23–25°C. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in French oak barrels.
Ageing
Maturation lasts 24 months in French oak barrels, after which the wine rests in stainless-steel tanks until the pre-bottling stage. Bottling normally coincides with the cool spring season, and release follows at least six months of bottle ageing.
Technical data
The published vintage is 2017. Alcohol is 15% vol. The wine has an ageing potential of 8–12 years and is expected to reach its maximum expression after the sixth year from harvest.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red, developing orange nuances with prolonged ageing. The bouquet offers ripe fruit, bitter almond, wild berries, chocolate and vanilla. The palate is elegant, round and soft, with substantial structure and noble, mature tannins.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C with grilled meats, roasts, game or aged cheeses.
