100% Aglianico from Taurasi, Campania, Italy.
SRP of $45 and purchased for $30 (Saturday Splurge). Imported by Palm Bay International.
From the bottle:
"Campania's historic town of Taurasi [tow-RAH-zee] and surrounding vineyards are a world class viticulture oasis. Here, the Aglianico grape finds its ideal terroir of pristine hills and volcanic soil. Full, rich and well-balanced, with notes of red berries and licorice.
14% Alcohol"
Aglianico is one of those grapes that we jump at the chance to taste. Quite simply we love it, but unfortunately we just don't see that much of it, especially under $20. We previously reviewed one other example from Feudi San Gregorio as well as a couple other Aglianico/Montepulciano blends which we loved but I really wish we could find more in our price range.
Today's wine comes from Taurasi, which is known as perhaps the most ideal spot in the world to grow Aglianico. Of course that ideal status carries a premium in terms of price (thus the Saturday Splurge designation). In fact, there are only a small handful of wines from Taurasi (which are required to be at least 85% Aglianico) that are listed on Wine-Searcher with an average price below $20.
The 2008 Feudi San Gregorio Taurasi begins with a wonderfully big aroma of black cherry, black raspberry, leather, smoked meat, spice, anise and more. The wine tastes smooth, full-bodied, dry and delicious. It has similar flavors to the nose with great complexity and slightly chewy tannins. It ends very dry and very long with lingering notes of dark chocolate and olives. An awesome wine that is just as fantastic on day two. I loved it so much I had to buy more!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
