Villa Matilde Cecubo 2015

Villa Matilde was founded in 1960 below the extinct Roccamonfina volcano in Campania, southern Italy, with the aim of reviving the ancient varieties behind the wine the Romans knew as Falernum. Cecubo blends Primitivo with the native Piedirosso, both grown on the free-draining volcanic soils of the Roccamonfina area, which retain heat and give ripe, generous fruit with a mineral undertone. The Mediterranean climate ripens Primitivo fully, hence the warm, dark-fruited character, while Piedirosso brings acidity, a herbal savour and a lighter frame to balance it. The wine is aged in oak, softening tannin and adding a slow oxidative complexity, and this 2015 has taken on the earthy, developed notes that come with a decade in bottle. The colour is deep garnet with age, the nose showing ripe plum, black cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and leather. The palate is full and warm, with soft tannin, moderate acidity and a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting to open the older aromas. It suits roasts and braises.