Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio

The Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio displays a deep, dense red in the glass with light purple reflections. Even at the first swirl, a multi-layered bouquet rises to the nose, reminiscent of ripe blackberries, dark plums and juicy black cherries. Fine notes of cloves are added, a hint of pepper and a very delicate touch of cocoa and tobacco. This dense array of aromas appears clear, precise and very inviting, without ever becoming heavy. On the palate, the wine presents itself dry, with firm structure, powerful body and a dense texture. The acidity is taut and provides freshness, the tannins are present but well-integrated and silky. The result is a red wine that combines richness, tension and elegance and lingers for a long time.

The aromas of this red wine can be divided into several layers that open up and unfold one after another:

1. Fruit: At the forefront is dark, ripe fruit with notes of blackberry, black cherry, plum and cassis. The fruit appears juicy, full and deep, with a fine melt.
2. Spice: Behind this, distinctive cloves emerge, some black pepper, a hint of liquorice and subtle roasted aromas reminiscent of cocoa and dark chocolate.
3. Maturity: Subtle hints of dried plums, black cherries in liqueur, a touch of leather and tobacco point to the ageing potential of this DOCG icon.
4. Oak: Fine vanilla, some cedarwood and light smoky notes derive from maturation in wooden casks and support the fruit without overshadowing it.
5. Structure: The dense texture, firm tannin and prominent yet well-balanced acidity provide drive, depth and a long, persistent finish.

In the mouth the wine is balanced and dry, with a dense, almost creamy mouthfeel and plenty of grip on the palate. The ripe fruit of plum and black cherry combines with the piquant spice of cloves and pepper. The wine never comes across as sweet, but rather clear, straightforward and focused. The finish is long, with notes of dark berries, cloves and fine oak. The interplay of fruit, spice, structure and freshness makes this Aglianico an ideal wine for lovers of powerful, characterful red wines from Campania.

As a varietal Aglianico, the Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio shows the typical strengths of the grape: high ageing potential, clear acidity, distinctive tannins and deep aromatics. With a bit of air in the glass, it opens up more and more and reveals new, subtle nuances. It is therefore a pleasure not only with food, but also as a meditative red wine for quiet evenings. Anyone wishing to experience the diversity of southern Italy in the glass will find here a red wine with profile, depth and character.

Vinification of the Taurasi Aglianico DOCG from Feudi di San Gregorio

The grapes for the Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio come from selected vineyards in Campania, in the heartland of historic Taurasi. The vines grow on volcanically influenced soils with plenty of minerality and good drainage. These soils store warmth, drain off water and thus produce concentrated, ripe-picked berries with thick skins. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and cool nights. In this way, the natural acidity of the Aglianico grape is preserved and gives the wine its freshness.

In the vineyard, Feudi di San Gregorio relies on careful canopy management, yield reduction and selective harvesting. The grapes are picked late in the year, when they are fully ripe but still retain enough acidity. Only fully ripe fruit is brought to the cellar. Harvesting is usually done by hand in small crates to keep the berries intact. This preserves the aromatic potential of blackberry, plum and black cherry as well as possible.

In the cellar, the berries are gently destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation takes place under temperature control in stainless steel tanks or large wooden vats, depending on the vintage and style. During maceration, the skins are submerged several times or gently pumped over. This allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted slowly and evenly. The must takes on the deep red colour and dense structure that will later characterise the wine.

After completion of alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation often follows, harmonising the acidity and giving the wine more fullness. The wine then matures for many months, often several years, in oak barrels. Both large casks and barriques are used, with a balanced proportion of new and used oak. This phase shapes the tannin, rounds off the structure and complements the fruit aromas of blackberry and plum with notes of cloves, vanilla, tobacco and fine smoke.

Before bottling, the Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio is gently clarified and only lightly filtered to preserve as much substance in the wine as possible. It then matures in the bottle for some time before being released onto the market. Thus, when enjoyed, it presents itself with a harmonious structure, integrated acidity and polished tannins. This careful vinification turns the wine into a long-lived red that will develop positively over many years.

Food recommendations for the Taurasi Aglianico DOCG from Feudi di San Gregorio

With its dense texture, dry style and aromatic depth, Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio is an ideal companion to robust cuisine. The dark fruit, cloves and distinctive tannin harmonise especially well with meat dishes, hearty braised dishes and mature cheeses. But creative vegetarian dishes with roasted flavours also pair very well.

Suitable dishes and recipes:

- Slowly braised leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic and roast potatoes
- Beef cheeks in red wine sauce with celeriac purée and glazed carrots
- Oxtail ragout with tomatoes, herbs and polenta
- Pasta al ragù napoletano with long-braised beef and pork
- Grilled beef steak or ribeye with herb butter and grilled vegetables
- Wild boar ragout with plums, thyme and potato gnocchi
- Mature Pecorino, aged Parmigiano Reggiano or tangy Provolone
- Mushroom risotto with porcini, thyme and a hint of Parmesan
- Aubergine alla parmigiana with tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella
- Braised beef shreds in tomato-herb sauce with fresh country bread

Serve Taurasi Aglianico DOCG - Feudi di San Gregorio at around 16 to 18 degrees in large red wine glasses. Give the wine some time in a decanter before drinking. This allows it to fully unfold its aromas of blackberry, cloves, plum and black cherry. This red wine from Campania rewards patience with depth, elegance and long-lasting enjoyment.

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