Irpinia Aglianico 2019

Located in the northern part of the Irpinia region, the Cantine Lonardo vineyards extend around the village of Taurasi, in the heart of the province of Avellino in Campania. The plots, often planted with old vines, are situated on volcanic soils mixed with clay and ash, at a medium altitude, benefiting from significant temperature variations. This cool and well-ventilated terroir allows for the slow ripening of the Aglianico grape, preserving its natural acidity and aromatic complexity, while producing structured and profound wines, typical of this mountainous inland area of ​​southern Italy.

Aglianico grapes are hand-harvested at full maturity, then destemmed before a traditional maceration and fermentation in vats, with regular pump-overs to extract color and tannins. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in the cellar, followed by extended aging in oak barrels and vats, allowing the structure to refine and the authentic character of the Irpinia terroir to be preserved, before bottling after a further period of rest.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , cherry , and plum , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet, spicy nuances of pepper and licorice, as well as subtle woody and slightly smoky accents. On the palate, it is full-bodied, supported by fresh acidity and firm yet well-integrated tannins , offering a structured texture and a long, flavorful, and persistent finish.

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!