Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Aglianico Contado is a great example of Aglianico from Molise. There is terrific vibrancy and focus here, despite the wine's big size, with generous fruit layered into black pepper and wild herbs. This full-bodied red is ready to go now, and should continue to improve over the following years. The estate gives the Contado 18 months in oak of various sizes.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a modern, 'New World' wine that boasts plush softness and a thick, velvety texture. Pair this wine with succulent beef, lamb or any meat that can stand up to its firm texture and solid tannins. Aromas include chocolate fudge, leather, allspice and clove.
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.