Taurasi

Fruit of fine Castelfranci’s white, compact sand soils, high up in the Calore valley; the product of old pergola/raggiera vines, attentively tended by the Perillo family, this noble Taurasi supports the claim that Aglianico is the Nebbiolo of the South. Harvested on 6th December (!), 2010 was a regular year for the Perillo family and their vines, with a normal yield (56hl/ha). No surprise then at the benchmark nose of black liquorice, kirsch and black fruit, that’s definite and pure. Followed up with a wonderfully square, beautifully textured, forest fruit and loganberry mouthfeel, with impeccable balance, and scintillating red berry acidity on the finish. The product of stainless steel fermentation, 12 months in barrique and eight months in botte grande. One for the cellar.
David Berry Green

From the secluded village of Castelfranci, high among the uppermost reaches of the river Calore and in the Taurasi DOCG region, comes this tiny, family estate of three hectares owned by Michele Perillo, his wife Anna Maria Romano and their children Felice and Nicola. Though their story dates back to 1887, bottling only started in 1999. Their old-vine Aglianico grapes are grown in traditionally-high trellises on compact sand and limestone to produce Taurasi – a mythical wine that needs time.

Due to the mild weather conditions, and rain during September and October, Luigi had to work hard in the vineyards; thankfully his old vines were left unfazed by the humidity. Ironically, this has treated us to more of a Piedmontese Taurasi. For the colour is paler than normal, while the nose remains delicate, intricate, mentholated; the palate energetic with great raspberry tension and zip. It even has something of Serralunga (Barolo) about it… but with an even sunnier side. Made from only Paternopoli, old vine fruit, macerated/punched down for 40 days in large open chestnuts tubs, followed by 12 months tonneaux, and 12 months botte grande.
David Berry Green