2013 Vesevo Limited Release Taurasi Ensis DOCG, Basilicata

The name Vesevo is the historic name for Vesuvius. The vineyards are located in the Irpinian hills of Campania, potentially one of Italy's most exciting wine-producing areas. Despite being so far south, there are large differences here between day and night temperatures, making the harvest here one of the latest in Italy.

Fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards of over 100 years old in Avellino, east of Naples. It is here that the Aglianico has found its chosen land and where it is able to give unique wines. The vineyards are situated between 450 and 550 metres above sea level and are always subject to a cool breeze that blows off the Bay of Naples. This same breeze has, over centuries, blown volcanic ash from Vesuvius inland. The soil here has a volcanic, clayey and calcareous character. The vines are trained with a spurred cordon system.

Winter recorded slightly higher temperatures than the seasonal average and lower rainfall. A climate trend that has continued in the months of March and April. At the end of spring, a period of about 15 days of cold slowed down the phenological phase of the sprouting. The abundant spring rains, concentrated especially in the month of May, have guaranteed water reserve for the soil, fundamental to face the difficulties due to the scarce rainfall of the following months of June and July. Good temperature variations day/night have favoured an excellent ripening of the grapes.

Once arrived at the winery, grapes were carefully selected. The grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed. Maceration took place for 20-25 days at temperatures of 26-28°C. The wine was then aged in a selection of 225L French oak barriques for 16 months before continuing its maturation process in the bottle prior to release.

This wine is a bright, deep ruby red in colour. On the nose, this is an intense, complex wine with aromas redolent of red berry fruits and hints of vanilla which follow onto the structured palate which has a firm but smooth tannins and a clean, dry finish.