Irpinia … not only Taurasi!
Hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see: this is how the Irpinia landscape welcomes its visitors!
Here three of the four Campania DOCGs have their roots in this rich, fertile and generous land. Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo have allowed this region to establish itself in the international wine sector, but Irpinia is not only its DOCG, Irpinia is the passion and love of its winemakers, the commitment they put into pampering the vineyards to make them happy oases and give us emotions through the rediscovery of almost disappeared native vines or small niche productions. These are the realities that allow us to discover the authentic Irpino Terroir to get to know their varietal richness.
There will be 2 stages of our wine tour to discover small treasures still little known, but capable of giving rare emotions.
First stop: Taurasi. It may seem obvious, but here we met winemakers who made demanding and tiring choices.
The Addimanda Brothers, in addition to Aglianico, which can never be missing, have bravely decided to bet on an almost extinct variety: Roviello. In their vineyards they have given life to this extraordinary variety starting from only 3 centuries-old vines. Gianluigi, the agronomist, has managed to replant 2.5 hectares with patience and care. Roviello is better known by the name of Grecomusc ‘(Greek soft), since its characteristic is precisely in the sparse bunch (the yield is very low) with grapes that, when ripe, take on a brown color and seem to have withered. The care in the vineyard, the manual harvest, the passion for their land give rise to “exciting” wines: L’Aciniell ‘, Campi Taurasini, and Taurasi that are born in their cellars all have an identity that characterizes them.
Aciniell ‘2018 Campania PGI, produced with 100% Grecomusc’ grapes which are immediately processed after manual harvesting. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and then evolves for 10 months in stainless steel containers on the fine lees. The result is a surprising wine with a straw yellow color with crystalline reflections. The nose is rich and complex: yellow fruits, vegetal and citrus notes open to a mineral closure. The taste is an explosion of minerality and freshness, yellow peach, medlar, with a long finish that leaves the mouth eager for another sip.
Starse Taurasi DOCG 2014, produced with 100% Aglianico grapes grown for a good part with the ancient Starseta system (hence the name). It comes in the glass with a bright ruby red. On the nose, blackberry, cherry, star anise, pepper, licorice, leather which on the palate are confirmed and balanced in the structure and body of this wine.
The stop in Taurasi ends with a lunch in the company of Franco and Gianluigi Addimanda at the EnosteriaTagé. The dishes of chef Salvatore Gennuso perfectly accompanied the wines of the Addimanda Winery.
The second stop is in Montemarano, at the Adelina Molettieri farm.
In their 4.5 hectares, Aglianico reigns undisputed, since 2019 they have been in organic production. The passion of this family for their terroir is evident in every gesture, word and look. Adelina and her sons Raffaele and Marco produce sincere wines with care and wisdom that really reflect the characteristics of the Aglianico variety. The CampaniaIGP Aglianico, the Cesinè, the Taurasi and the Organic Rosato, all produced with 100% Aglianico grapes, decline this vine with a strong character.
Cesiné2014, Irpinia Doc Aglianico, is not a simple Aglianico. After fermentation in steel, it is aged for 16/18 months in 35hl oak barrels, to then spend another 12 months in steel and another 10/12 months in the bottle.
The color is bright ruby red with luminous reflections, the nose strikes the fragrance of the aromas of morello cherry, blackberry, licorice, pepper, cocoa. On the palate the red fruits are enriched and the tertiaries envelop the sip. The surprising note is the drinkability which is characterized by elegant tannins accompanied by a freshness / acidity that is still well present and balanced. While drinking it, you can enjoy the glass, but your thoughts are on the further evolution that this bottle may have in the coming years.
Irpinia Rosato DOP 2019, Organic, always obtained from 100% Aglianico, undergoes a maceration of 6 hours. The cherry pink color reminds us that Aglianico is rich in polyphenols which we will also find in the taste. On the nose notes of red fruits and flowers, the taste of the fruit is crunchy and fresh and a light tannic sensation blends with a mint aftertaste.
During our Irpinia Wine Tour we have not only tasted excellent wines, but we have met passionate winemakers, unique people who know how to transmit and share their love for wine. An exclusive experience that Irpinia can give to anyone who wants to live it.
To spend a day in contact with nature and get to know the niche production realities, outside the great food and wine circuits, contact us: Napoli Wine Tours.