Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG 2019

Azienda Agricola Basilisco works in Basilicata, southern Italy, where Aglianico is grown on the volcanic soils of the extinct Mount Vulture. This Superiore bottling carries DOCG status, the region's top tier. The dark volcanic soils, rich in minerals and good drainage, combined with altitude and a wide day to night temperature swing, give Aglianico its hallmark firm acidity and structured tannin while letting the fruit ripen slowly through a long season. The wine is farmed organically. After fermentation it ages ten months in barrel, softening the considerable tannin and adding spice, then a further twelve months in bottle to integrate before release. The colour is ruby with violet highlights, and the nose opens on fresh berries and dark cherry over plum, dried herbs and a smoky, earthy minerality. The palate is firm and savoury, the tannins fine but assertive, carried by bright acidity and a long, peppery, tobacco tinged finish. At fourteen percent it stays balanced and ageworthy. Serve at sixteen to eighteen degrees and decant young bottles; it calls for roasted and braised red meats.