About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The 6.2 ha Vigna Sopra il Bosco vineyard lies at 700 m above sea level in Castel Campagnano, in the upper part of the province of Caserta. Its sandy soils are exceptionally well drained, and vineyards alternate with forests in an unspoiled area where winds blow daily throughout the year. The vines are more than 20 years old on average. Each plant is registered, and the vineyard is divided into sectors with different approaches to pruning, canopy and soil management, and harvest timing. Herbicides and pesticides are not used.
Grapes
The blend consists mainly of Pallagrello Nero, with smaller amounts of Aglianico and Casavecchia.
Vinification
Harvest takes place from late September to mid-October, according to full ripeness. Fermentation proceeds at a continuously controlled temperature, with an extended maceration of 16–18 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new 500 L French barrels. The winemaking follows a minimal-intervention approach.
Ageing
The wine matures for 13 months in barrel and then rests for a further eight months in bottle.
Tasting profile
The 2010 vintage has a rich, complex and layered nose of red fruit and spices interwoven with Mediterranean herbs and mineral notes. The palate is notably fresh, fruity and balanced, with silky tannins.
Label / history
The name Sabbie di Sopra Il Bosco literally means “sands above the forest.” Giovanni Ascione, nicknamed Nanni Cope as a child, founded Azienda Agricola Nanni Cope in 2007. Annual production from the single vineyard is 7,400 bottles.