“Bocca di Lupo” Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC 2018 (BIO) · 6 bottles in OWC

Tormaresca | Antinori | Puglia
Tormaresca Soc. Agr. a.r.l. | Contrada Torre d'Isola | IT 76013 Minervino Murge

15152718 · 4,5 l · 94,22 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping6 units available

The wolf's mouth. This is the translation of Bocca di Lupo – a name that captures the wildness of this landscape. Here, in the heart of the Alta Murgia near Minervino Murge, a dream began in 1998: the Antinori family, creators of legendary super Tuscans, recognised the dormant potential of Apulia and invested in a terrain that could not be more barren. Limestone tuff soils, karstic hills, an almost lunar panorama at an altitude of 250-300 metres. But it is precisely this barrenness that is the secret. At the centre of the project: the rediscovery of Aglianico – the noble, once underestimated grape variety that is to find an authentic Apulian voice here. The organically cultivated vines yield slightly overripe grapes that fully develop their phenolic potential. After manual harvesting, the must ferments at 25–27 °C in stainless steel, maceration takes place over 15–18 days with gentle remontages and délestages. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French barriques, where the wine matures for a further 15 months. This is followed by a full 24 months of bottle ageing – this wine is only released onto the market after a total of three years (+).

Dark ruby red in colour, almost impenetrable. The nose opens with a complex sequence: Amarena cherry and ripe plum, clove and vanilla, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf, underpinned by balsamic notes and a hint of ink. A wine of monumental presence on the palate – rich and enveloping on the attack, then taut and vertical with lively, silky tannins that lead into a long-lasting, spicy-fresh final. A giant with finesse that has a decade of ageing potential. Serve with game dishes, braised lamb and long matured cheese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and harmonious, with a framework of fine-grained tannins that create a plush texture for concentrated flavours of ripe black cherry, dried sage leaf, iron, ground anise and white pepper that linger on the long, sculptural finish." Wine Spectator