SANNIO AGLIANICO D.O.C.

The word “Aglianico” derives from the Italian word meaning “Hellenic.” Brought by ancient Greeks over 2,000 years ago, the Aglianico grape began its legacy in Italy far long before any other cultivated grape. Our Aglianico is pronounced “Ahl-Yon'-Ee-Ko.” This is a variety of ancient origin that according to historians was brought to Italy by the Greeks and was celebrated by nobles and emperors during the classical period. The term "Aglianico" itself is actually a distortion of the ancient name "Hellenica,” to whom many authors, including Horace, made extensive reference in their works. The DOC wine has a deep red color that takes on characteristic orange reflections with aging. Tannic as one would expect from these grapes, it nonetheless remains fresh and well balanced, without roughness. Aglianico is the perfect accompaniment to locally produced sheep and goats' milk cheeses (semi-mature or mature) as well as pork sausage products and recipes often bolstered by a generous dose of chilli pepper, like Pipe (elbow-shaped pasta) with a sauce of mushrooms, sausage and chilli pepper. It is also excellent with game and roasts.This wine should be served at a temperature of around 17-19°'C, and allowed to breathe for a few hours before serving.
A spumante version (sparkling) is also produced, aged for one year and with a minimum alcohol content of 11.5%. This is worth trying together with traditional local sweets, one of which is "mustaccioli," soft and doughy treats made with a generous quantity of honey.
Warm and soft to the pallet, this full bodied wine is bursting with rich, spicy flavors and an exotic, lengthy finish. Our Aglianico compliments rich meats, hardy tomato sauces and aged cheeses.

Area of Production: Hills of Sannio Beneventano (Campania-Italy)
Location of Vineyards: 350 Slm
Grape: 100% Aglianico
Nature of Soil: Clayey and calcareous
Vineyard Exposure: Southwest

Vintage Time: Last ten days of October
Winemaking: Pressing and delestage
Fermentation: Under controlled temperature
Refinement: Steel container and in bottle

Alcoholic Content: 12.5% Alc. by Vol.
Total Acidity: 5,50 grams per liter
Sugar Residue: Traces
Dry Extract: 31,00

Bottling: Historical Bordelaise and natural cork
Characteristics: Deep red to red-brown in color; earthy nose; spicy flavors; full-bodied, complete and developed with an exotic lengthy finish
Serving Temperature: 18°C or 63°F
Preferred Serving: Large glass