Donnachiara, Taurasi DOCG 2011, Campania, Italy

Tasting Note: The aglianico grape, also known as the “Nebbiolo of the South (of Italy)” from Taurasi where it reaches its heights shows well in this bottle which offers ripe, plush fruit and concentration but not in the way you experience it in the New World.

Medium-intensity ruby in color this wine has a pronounced aromatic nose of jammy black fruit including black plum, raspberry, black currant, blueberry, violet and vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied wine has ripe, velvety, medium-plus tannin and medium-plus acidity with aromas on the nose continuing as flavors, albeit with slightly-less, but still firm intensity.

The wine shows balance between the fruit and acidity and shows mid-palate complexity and potential for aging.

This wine evolves in your glass so drink slowly (or pour two glasses, and put one to the side).

Bottle Note: Grape variety – Aglianico 100%. Type of soil – Clay. Training system – Guyot. Period of harvest – First half of November. Aging in oak – 12 months in 225-liter French boutique. Aging in bottle – 12 months. Color – Ruby red with purple notes. Bouquet – Full intense bouquet of blackberry, plum, cherry, with intense cacao and coffee notes. Palate – Warm, dry, soft with elegant structure and great persistence that confirms and amplifies the olfactory senses. Serving temperature – 60-65°F. Food affinities – Pasta with full body sauces, steak, roast, games and long aged cheeses.