Feudi di San Gregorio Piano Montevergine Taurasi Riserva 2018

Piano Montevergine is the top Taurasi from Feudi di San Gregorio, a Riserva drawn from Aglianico grown in the DOCG zone in the province of Avellino in Campania. Aglianico is the most structured red grape of the south, ripening late into the autumn and holding high natural acidity and tannin. The volcanic soils of these hills and the cool mountain nights extend the growing season, concentrating the fruit while protecting its freshness, which is what allows a Riserva of this depth to age for many years. The wine spends twenty-four months in French oak barrels and a further nine months in bottle. That long élevage works slow oxygen through the staves, softening the grape's considerable tannins and adding cedar, spice and a fine grained texture, while the bottle time lets the components integrate. The colour is intense black ruby. The nose is deep and layered, with black plum, dark cherry, leather, tobacco, liquorice and a smoky, earthy base. The palate is full and powerful, the tannins firm but polished, with bright acidity and a very long savoury finish. Decant well ahead and serve at 17 to 18 degrees with roast and braised red meats, game and mushroom dishes.