Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from hillside vineyards in the Monte Vulture area around Venosa, Basilicata, at 400 metres above sea level. The vines were planted in 1995 and are espalier-trained with Guyot pruning, at a density of 4,400 vines per hectare. The approximately 10-hectare estate has loose, dry volcanic soils with good structure, predominantly tufaceous and characteristic of mineral-bearing pozzolanic terrain.
Grapes
100% Aglianico del Vulture.
Vinification
The crop is harvested by hand into crates during the last ten days of October, with a stated yield of 80 quintals per hectare. After crushing and destemming, the must macerates on the skins for 10–15 days at 25°C. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks.
Ageing
The wine spends 8–10 months in new French-oak barriques and tonneaux, then matures in stainless steel until preparation for bottling. Bottling normally coincides with the cool spring season, and release follows at least six months of bottle ageing.
Technical data
D.O.C. Basilicata. The published vintage is 2019, with an alcohol content of 13.5% vol. Cellaring potential is 8–10 years, with maximum expression expected after the third or fourth year following harvest.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red, developing orange nuances as it ages. Aromas evoke ripe fruit, bitter almond, woodland berries, chocolate and vanilla. The palate is elegant, round and soft, with substantial structure and mature, refined tannins.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C. Pair with grilled meats, roasts, game and mature cheeses. The technical sheet additionally suggests legumes and fresh cheeses.