Tag Archives: aglianico

Cantina del Taburno ‘Fidelis’ Aglianico del Taburno 2009

Posted on by

tabalgia

A refined and straightforward Aglianico fantastic with hearty dishes.

Estate: Founded in 1901, Cantina Del Taburno is a consortium of grape growers located on the slopes of Mount Taburno, in the province of Benevento in Campania, southern Italy. Since 1999 winemaking has been under the direction of Professor Luigi Moio of the University of Naples. With 300 viticulturists members, the cantina is the leading producer in the zone, and are known for their excellent and affordable Aglianico wines.

Winemaking: In addition to encouraging the advancement of indigenous grape varietals, the winery practiced organic farming, using only organic fertilizers, copper and sulphur based products when absolutely necessary, and very low amounts of sulphur in the production of their wines. The grapes for Fidelis were sourced from vineyards with volcanic soils, fermented in stainless steel and aged in both large oak casks and old French oak barriques.

Tasting Notes: Brick garnet in color with aromas of candied cherry and hints of cigar box spice. Tart, vibrant cherry along with blackberry complimented nuances of smoky tar and licorice on the dry, lengthy finish.

90% Aglianico, 10% Sangiovese
Aglianico del Taburno / Campania
Italy
Estate Bottled by Cantina del Taburno
13% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2017

Rated 90 points by The Wine Advocate

Tenuta Ponte La Loggia Aglianico Irpinia 2009

Posted on by

Snapseed

A fantastic value, this is a versatile Aglianico packed with jammy fruit and rich earth notes that keeps you reaching for more.

Estate: Tenuta Ponte is located in the Campania region of southern Italy and consists of 35 hectares of vineyards. Brothers Alexander, Nicholas and Modestinus Di Stasio, along with Pepe and Antonio Giusto own and run the estate.

Winemaking: The two sets of brothers are “united by their passion for wine” and utilize a synthesis of “dynamic and modern” methods in the vineyard and winery.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with aromas of blueberry jam and rich sandalwood. Blueberry, cherry and tart pomegranate fruits were spread across an earthy undercurrent, whilst dry tannins, spicy black peppercorn and traces of licorice comprised the lengthy finish.

100% Aglianico
Irpinia
Italy
Vinified and Bottled by Tenuta Ponte s.r.l.
12% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2015

Grifalco ‘Gricos’ Aglianico del Vulture 2009

Posted on by

Snapseed

Structured, with dark fruits and firm tannins, huge ageing potential and one of the oldest cultivated grapes, Aglianico is persistently fascinating. Increasing in popularity and on the rise, winemakers are crafting this elegant and robust grape in a variety of styles so I am always on the lookout for approachable, “drinking now” Aglianico.

Grifalco was founded in 2004 by Tuscan winemakers Fabrizio Piccin and Cecilia Naldoni who decided that southern Italy was more auspicious then their native Tuscany. The name Grifalco was developed from the abundant hawks that thrive in the Vulture region, and the mythological griffin. The Piccin family currently has 18 hectares of mineral rich vineyards located on extinct volcanoes. The Gricos is their entry level “everyday wine” made from young vines with an average age of 15 years.

Dark red-violet in colour with aromas of dried flowers, cherry and earth. Black cherry, lead minerals and herbaceous elements rested on firm tannins and a lengthy finish of dark chocolate and traces of cigar box spice. Clean and smooth, this is a lovely, straightforward Aglianico fantastic with substantial, hearty dishes.

100% Aglianico
Aglianico del Vulture
Italy
Estate Bottled by Lucania s.a.s. Piccin Fabrizio
13.5% Alcohol
$16
Enjoy now thru 2018

Cantina Del Taburno ‘Albarosa’ Rosato 2012

Posted on by

ag rosato

Founded in 1901, Cantina Del Taburno is a consortium of grape growers located on the slopes of Mount Taburno, in the province of Benevento in Campania, southern Italy. Since 1999 winemaking has been under the direction of Professor Luigi Moio of the University of Naples. With 300 viticulturists members, the cantina is the leading producer in the zone, and are known for their excellent and affordable Aglianico wines. In addition to encouraging the advancement of indigenous grape varietals, the winery also farms organically, using only organic fertilizers, copper and sulphur based products when absolutely necessary, and very low amounts of sulphur in the production of their wines.

I was enthusiastic to give Albarosa Rosato a pour since it’s not too often I happen upon Rosé Aglianico. A gorgeous watermelon pink in colour with aromas of dried strawberry and slate minerals. Strawberry and clean minerals culminated into a crisp finish of citrus zest and traces of white peppercorn. Simple and easy drinking, this is best for sipping on its own or with very light dishes.

90% Aglianico, 10% Sangiovese and Merlot
Campania
Italy
Estate Bottled by Cantina Del Taburno
13% Alcohol
$13
Enjoy now

Wines of Campania Tasting at Otto Enoteca

Posted on by

Last Saturday my husband and I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Campania wine tasting at Otto Enoteca in NYC. The tasting featured 5 wines from small estates that are imported into the US in limited quantity and locations [and some tasty cheese pairings]. My favourites of the afternoon were Guido Marsella Fiano Di Avellino 2010 an incredible smoky, peaty red wine disguised as a white, and the earthy, bright super easy drinking I Cacciagali ‘Basco’ Piedirosso Roccamonfina 2011. [Prices listed are the online average]

Giardini Arimei Pietra Box Ischia Bianco 2011 $22
A fantastic expression of the volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea the vineyard is located on, herbaceous and buttery aromas, with tropical fruits, grass, smoky honey notes and a mouth puckering finish. Great summer sipping!
[‘Pietra Brox’ is the name of the formation of the ‘tufo’, or volcanic rock in the vineyard]

Guido Marsella Fiano Di Avellino 2010 $24
Uncommon and robust, with green olive, white flowers and honey aromas. More like a red wine than a white, clever, well structured layers of peat smoke and gamey volcanic earth joined peach and apricot flavours in the medium to full body, whilst clean, briny minerals comprised the refreshing finish.
Rated 92 points by the Wine Advocate

I Cacciagali ‘Basco’ Piedirosso Roccamonfina 2011 $15
Another exciting, character driven wine with some barnyard funk and cherry jam aromas. Delightfully rustic and easy drinking, aged in clay amphorae, bright cherry and earth flavours rounded out the medium body whilst crushed black peppercorn and warm clove comprised the plush finish. Fantastic with just about any dish or on its own.

Salvatore Molettieri Cinque Querce Irpinia Aglianico 2008
A fantastic expression of Aglianico, with raisin and cigar box aromas complimenting dense black cherry and earthy pine notes along with a bright acidity, smooth tannins and a gorgeous smoky cedar finish. An elegant and passionate glass that keeps you reaching for more.
Rated 90 points by the Wine Advocate

Snapseed-20

Luigi Maffini Fiano Passito 2009 $30
Deep gold in colour with aromas of toasted almond and honey. Baked pineapple, creamy roasted nuts and traces of earthy tar were complimented by rich honey and a refreshing acidity. A fantastic companion to just about any dessert, also satisfying as a desert all on its own!