Montevetrano “Core” 2016

Sale $24.99

94 ps Vinous / 94 pts James Suckling

This gem has become, if you will forgive the pun, one of our core wines. It's rich and full-bodied, yet balanced with bright acidity. And the flavor profile is wonderfully different. As the weather turns colder, this should be on everyone's short-list for meat dishes of any type. Some braised short ribs, perhaps?

Well, this is an interesting one… from the heart of Campania, a region well-known for… well… not really wine. It’s Italy, so of course they make good wine there… it’s just not well-known. But it should be...

“Along with Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, Aglianico is generally believed to be on of Italy’s three best wine grapes, but in my opinion it is far more…” –Ian D’Agata, Native Wine Grapes of Italy

Oenologist Denis Dubourdieu has said "Aglianico is probably the grape with the longest consumer history of all", claiming that Aglianico was used to make the Falernian wine famed during Roman times.

Okay, so what do we get? Aglianico is know for its naturally high acidity and tannins, along with dark, spicy and smoky fruit flavors. For this wine, the 100% Aglianico is aged 10 months in French oak barrels, to help soften the tannins and integrate the acidity. The result is flat-out delicious… the best pure Aglianico I can remember tasting, it offers loads of exotic aromas and flavors of black fruits and berries. It’s still Aglianico, so there are some tannins on the back end, perfect for pairing with meat dishes! The bottom line is... what an incredible value!

"Very deep purple-ruby; this is very dark for an Aglianico wine. Delicate on the nose and remarkably light on its feet, offering sweet blueberry, red cherry, sweet spice and floral flavors, similar to the aromas, that linger impressively on the juicy, long, clean finish. A knockout wine, and the best Aglianico ever from Montevetrano." Vinous

"Extremely well crafted with ultra-fine tannins and beautiful and subtle aromas and flavors of black fruit, black pepper and white pepper. Medium to full body. Polished and so enjoyable to taste. Can age beautifully. Drink or hold." JS


Or reply. The wine will be available tomorrow in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.