Today I thought maybe something Italian today seeing as we have the most beautiful weather, need something to match the day, you see! This should be a great fit...

Valentino Sciotti (of Vesevo, Gran Sasso and other Farnese estates) took over this small co-operative in Basilicata in Acerenza in the heart of the Aglianico del Vulture zone in 2008. Consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini works with Manuel Barbone, and together they manage to capture the character of the grapes and the zone superbly in the bottle.

The vineyards belonging to this estate are superb; low-trained and planted on the volcanic soils of the slopes of Mount Vulture at altitudes of up to 800 metres above sea level. The area is one of Italy's most remote and poorest. Isolated and uncontaminated it is, according to consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini, like stepping back in time a few centuries.

On arrival at the winery the grapes were destemmed and gently crushed then the must fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at temperatures up to 30-32°C. Frequent, gentle pumping over took place during fermentation and maceration which lasted approximately 30 days. Judicious oak influence softened the naturally high tannins after which the wine remained in tank until bottling.



Vigneti del Vulture, Aglianico del Vulture "Pipoli" 2016 @ £13.95 - Buy it here!

This wine is garnet red in colour. The nose has layered, highly complex aromas with hints of violets and cocoa. Full bodied, the wine has a sweet red fruit character with delicate oak nuances and persistent fruit notes through to the finish.

Oh it's definitely a keeper! Absolutely beautiful. Come and give it a try! Cheers!