Coste Taurasi 2016

Located in the mountainous hinterland of Irpinia, in Campania, the Coste Taurasi vineyard of Domaine Cantine Lonardo extends around the village of Taurasi, in the heart of the Taurasi DOCG appellation area. The vines, planted on high-altitude slopes, benefit from volcanic soils mixed with clay and limestone, providing natural drainage and a rich mineral content. The continental climate, characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night, promotes the slow ripening of the Aglianico grapes and preserves their aromatic freshness.

Made from old Aglianico vines harvested by hand from the Coste plot in Taurasi, this wine is produced using traditional fermentation in vats with extended maceration to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then takes place, followed by a long aging process in oak barrels, completed by bottle aging to refine the tannins and develop the aromatic complexity typical of the estate's great Taurasi wines.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , cherry , and plum , enhanced by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and tobacco. Woody accents of vanilla, cocoa, and smoke mingle with a subtly mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, supported by lively acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, lingering finish that leaves an impression of depth and balance.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!