Alto Taurasi Vineyard 2016

Located in the mountainous hinterland of Irpinia, in Campania, the Vigne d'Alto vineyard overlooks the Taurasi Valley from the hills of the Taurasi municipality. The Cantine Lonardo plots lie on volcanic and clay-limestone soils, rich in ash and minerals, at a high altitude that promotes significant temperature variations. This cool, well-ventilated, and well-drained terroir allows the Aglianico grape to reach slow and complete ripening, resulting in structured, profound wines with excellent aging potential.

The grapes are hand-harvested from the old vines of Aglianico, with careful sorting in the vineyard. After destemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place in tanks with extended maceration to extract color, structure, and aromatic complexity. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out, followed by extended aging in oak barrels to refine the tannins and harmonize the aromatic profile, before a further period of bottle aging prior to release.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and clove. Woody and slightly smoky accents mingle with a subtle mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated, driven by lively acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, lingering finish with balsamic undertones.

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!