A closer look at the wines from Saturday’s Italian lunch.
I have only had a few Aglianico wines before. Both from Vulture, both were approachable and enjoyable. This was confounding. There was incredible funk on the nose when first presented. I was almost prepared to call it faulty. It persisted throughout the tasting, finally fading after a few hours. It did not leave completely, but receded into the background and allowed the fruit to shine.
Days later I ask myself, did I like this wine? I still don’t know. It was challenging, but not in a negative sense. I guess the answer lies in that I am no seeking out more Aglianico to try.
This wine was supplied by KC, pictured below. He provided this information as a background to the wine-
‘When we talk about Italian wines, the Piemonte, Toscana and Veneto would come into the big picture. Campania region is a lesser-known region, therefore it is worthwhile to explore the wines that use the native grape varietal, Aglianico and also showing the affection/connection towards southern region wine. (somehow I feel Italy and Malaysia share some similarity to the geographical characteristics, both are the peninsular / bottom tip of the continents)
Taurasi DOCG is a red wine appellation in Irpinia, a sub-region of Campania, southern Italy. Donnachiara has more approachable labels which are Campania IGT and Irpinia DOC. Taurasi DOCG can be aged for another 5 to 10 years. This wine is aged with MLF in barriques for 12 months and in bottle for another 12 months.’
100% Aglianico.
Deep purple. Incredible funk on the nose. At times appealing, at time bordering on faulty. Mousey, barnyard, mushrooms. Hours later it all opened up nicely. The funk remained, but it was entirely pleasant. Blackberries dominated with cocoa and a hint of coffee. It was big on the palate, almost clumsy, but for me, it was in very unusual company for comparison. Black fruits on the palate with spicy chocolate in the background. I have to wonder what this wine would have been like if it were decanted hours before.
Drink now – 2030
Not rated.
100% Aglianico.
Deep purple. Incredible funk on the nose. At times appealing, at time bordering on faulty. Mousey, barnyard, mushrooms. Hours later it all opened up nicely. The funk remained, but it was entirely pleasant. Blackberries dominated with cocoa and a hint of coffee. It was big on the palate, almost clumsy, but for me, it was in very unusual company for comparison. Black fruits on the palate with spicy chocolate in the background. I have to wonder what this wine would have been like if it were decanted hours before.