Production Area From a cluster of vineyards near the villages of Barile, Rionero in Vulture and Rampolla, all located at approximately 1,500 feet above sea level and sharing a south-east exposure, on the lower slopes of the Vulture mountain in Basilicata, southern Italy. Vines are planted in a density of approximately 4,000 per acre. The soil here is rich and fertile, thanks to the presence of volcanic ashes resulting from long-ago eruptions, enhanced by a good content of humus and excellent natural drainage Grape Varieties 100% Aglianico del Vulture Vinification Vines are trained using a local variation "capanno" of the Guyot system with three shoots. Pruning is conducted once a year. Yields are typically 9 lbs per vine. Grapes are handpicked in the final days of October and early November. After destemming and a gentle pressing, a lengthy maceration on the skins ensues. The resulting wine spends 14 months in oak barriques, prior to bottling and release. Color Rich ruby red Bouquet Elegant, alluring aromas of cherry, nuances of licorice and coffee, with underlying hints of balsamic, mint and eucalyptus. Taste Full, richly concentrated and inviting, yet easy to drink, with notably freshness of taste and smoothness of structure. Alcohol 14.9 Serving Suggestions Serve with red meats, richly flavored pastas and risottos, casseroles, stews and a wide range of hard and semi-hard cheeses