Feudi de San Gregorio Taurasi 2021

This Taurasi is made by Feudi di San Gregorio from Aglianico grown in the DOCG zone around the town of Taurasi, in the province of Avellino in Campania. Aglianico is the great red grape of the Italian south, late ripening and naturally high in both acidity and tannin. The volcanic soils of the Taurasi hills and the altitude here give cool nights that extend the growing season well into autumn, which builds the wine's depth while keeping the acidity bright. Eighteen months in French oak barrels and a further nine months in bottle soften the grape's powerful tannins through gradual oxygen exchange and let the fruit and savoury elements knit together. The colour is dark and dense in the glass. The nose is intense and complex, with black cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather and a stony, earthy character. The palate is full bodied and firmly structured, the tannins substantial but ripe, carried by fresh acidity and a long peppery, savoury finish. This is a wine that rewards cellaring. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. It is a natural match for roast and braised red meats, game and mature hard cheeses.