Winemaker Notes
Contado is ruby-red in color with light garnet hues. The full and intense bouquet reveals ample amounts of ripe currants and blackberries, well balanced by spicy notes of almonds, rhubarb and herbs. Contado is full-bodied with fine-grained tannins surrounding a soft, velvety and lingering finish.
Recommended with full-flavored first courses, wild game, fillet mignon and other roasted meats. Excellent with cheeses.
"I doubt readers will find a more budget-friendly Aglianico than Di Majo Norante's 2004 Aglianico del Molise Contado. This wonderfully nuanced wine reveals terrific intensity and energy on the palate, with plenty of fruit, cocoa and roasted coffee bean flavors that flow from the glass. At once fully-flavored, yet delicate, it is an exceptional effort at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2011."
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
90 Points
Professional Ratings
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.