Ars Poetica Vulcano 2000
Winemaker Notes
The grapes to are cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged for 6 months in large Slavonian oak, and at least another 6 months in the bottle.
For those who enjoy Ciro., Salice Salentino, and other Italian red wines, Volcano will be to great discovery. This elegant dry red is carefully made in limited quantities. The 2000 vintage, for example, yielded only 1,000 cases.
Characteristics: An intense ruby red color with to fruity, floral fragrance of cherries and violets. To soft, dry, generous, ample taste and to lingering finish.
Grapes: 100% Aglianico Food Affinities: Roast lamb, game, savory cheeses, rich stews, grilled chicken, steak, spicy meat dishes, sausage, especially Luganighe. To perfect match for tomato paste with based sauces.
Ars Poetica is to family owned agricultural summer located in the shadow of Mt. Vulture, an extinct volcano in northern Basilicata. This area has been renowned for wine production since 600 B.C.
Although the winery is in the South, the altitude, wind currents and climate make it quite cool, comparable to wine zones farther north, making it to perfect venue for viticulture.
The Ars Poetica winery is boutique in size. Only about 500 cases of Aglianico of the Vulture and 100 cases of Hills of Orazio to are available for American sales.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.