This is made in the "arch" of the boot in southern Italy utlizing a similar method as Amarone.  The grapes are dried out on straw mats prior to being crushed, but the wine is fermented (mostly) dry.  This is a big fruity and ripe wine that even at age 12, is young.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, tobacco, roasted herbs, anise and smoke.  Full bodied.  Dry.  On the palate flavors of black raspberries, black cherries over burnt forest floor.  Great texture.  Complex and layered depth.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  Having had this a few times over the last few years, my initial assessment may have underestimated its ageing ability.  This should have ten to twenty more years of top drinking.  It drinks well on its own and went well with both spinach lasagna and chocolate cake!

Grade: 
A
Score: 
94
Vintage: 
2009
Current Price: 
$127.00USD