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Today’s Taurasi DOCG selection from D’Antiche Terre is an exclusive and very limited selection that will instantly appeal to lovers of unique and rustic Italian wines.

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Mission Codename: Of Ancient Land

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of an elusive Aglianico Taurasi DOCG.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: D’Antiche Terre

Wine Subject: 2005 Taurasi DOCG

Winemaker: Ottavio Santucci

Backgrounder:

The Taurasi DOCG is located in west central Italy’s Campania region. Originally designated as a DOC in 1970 and then upgraded to DOCG in 1993 these wines are made primarily with the ancient Aglianico grape that was originally grown in Greece before it was brought to Italy by early Greek settlers. The Aglianico grape is exceptionally well suited to the region’s volcanic soils and is known for aromas and flavors of dark plum and chocolate when made well. Taurasi must be aged at least 3 years, one of which in wood casks, prior to release and may be blended with up to 15% of Barbera, Sangiovese or other local grapes. Today’s selection is 100% Aglianico.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dark garnet in color with ruby red edges and a dense nearly inky core that shows ruby red reflections when held to the light. When swirled, slow and randomly spaced medium fat legs hang for a moment before descending to the wine below.

Smell – Ripe and redolent with spiced dark fruit including dark plum and blackberry with notes of warm spice and balsamic notes. A touch of Italian fennel, bittersweet chocolate and toasted oak adds rustic complexity.

Feel – Rich and expansive with powdered firm tannins and tangy vibrant acidity then blends perfectly with a distinct old world dark mineral texture that lingers long into the finish.

Taste – Generous, plump, ripe and tangy dark plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors are layered over toasted wood and classic Italian balsamic notes. A touch of the dark chocolate, warm spice and pepper and fennel are also present.

Finish – Long and lingering with this wine’s ripe and plush fruit balanced over its textured old world mouth-feel.

Conclusion – If you like rustic and classic old world Italian wines, then you’ll love the 2005 D’Antiche Terre Taurasi DOCG. Rich and ripe fruit with plenty of complexity on the nose, a highly textured mouth-feel, generous fruit, spice and oak with all the supporting flavors and a plump lingering finish. Absolutely enjoy this wine now after decanting or cellar for many years to come. A great wine for a rustic Italian sausage stew to keep you warm and toasty this winter.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Ottavio Santucci

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: A lot of physics and very little chemistry

WINEMAKER QUOTE: Produce a little but make it good.

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: Greek di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino in 1993.
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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings, Ottavio. We are thrilled to be showing your 2005 Taurasi DOCG today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

OTTAVIO: Thank you for featuring our delicious Taurasi!

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

OTTAVIO: Yes, the family tradition.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your wine-making style?

OTTAVIO: Surely the Greek di Tufo DOCG.

WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

OTTAVIO: For us it is not enough to make wine make wine but it is essential that it satisfies the consumer so that spurs us on to continuously improve.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

OTTAVIO: Taurasi DOCG 2005 is a dry red wine . The production zone is in the hills of Pietradefusi Vertecchia 500 meters above sea level. The varietals ares 100% Aglianico. The 2005 vintage was picked in the 3rd week of October into the beginning of November. The wine is made by pressing with membranes and fermentation is on the skins with frequent pumping to extract color. Maturation in steel tanks for 16 months in barrels for another 18 months and then aged in bottles for 6 / 8 months. The color is ruby red with orange reflections, the scent is warm and spicy. The typical characteristic flavor is full, complete, dry and harmonic . Alcohol is 14.00%. Recommended serving temperature is 18/20 ° CE ’recommended uncork the bottle at least 2 hours before serving.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

OTTAVIO: With red meat, game and cheeses.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Taurasi so special?

OTTAVIO: Certainly the climate and soil.

WHITE: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

OTTAVIO: We have just completed the harvest and then we are engaged in wine-making products vintage 2010.

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

OTTAVIO: Hopefully with the knowledge to enjoy one of the best Italian wines.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

OTTAVIO: We want to certainly convey the passion with which we are dedicated to our company so that all our products are of high quality.

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the D’Antiche Terre can be seen in this satellite photo.