Description
The Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo is a prestigious red wine produced in the Puglia region, in southern Italy. The reference area is Castel del Monte, characterized by a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers, ideal for vine cultivation. The vineyard from which this wine originates is called Bocca di Lupo, located in the municipality of Minervino Murge, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. This vineyard extends over a limestone terrain, with a southeast exposure and an altitude of about 250 meters above sea level. The Aglianico vines cultivated here are trained in a trellis system and pruned in a spur cordon style. Aglianico is an indigenous grape variety from southern Italy, known for its ability to produce wines of great structure and longevity. The grapes for the Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo are hand-harvested late in the season, usually between late October and early November, when they have reached optimal ripeness. The production process involves alcoholic fermentation in steel at a controlled temperature, followed by maceration on the skins for about 15-20 days. Subsequently, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, also in steel. The aging of the Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo takes place in French oak barriques for about 12 months, followed by an additional maturation period in the bottle for at least 24 months before commercialization. The result is a wine of great structure and complexity, with an aromatic bouquet ranging from ripe red fruits to spices, with notes of chocolate and tobacco. In terms of food pairings, the Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo pairs perfectly with red meat dishes, game, aged cheeses, and traditional Puglian dishes like orecchiette with braciole. Pairings: The Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo is a structured and complex red wine that pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes. An ideal first pairing could be with a dish of pasta with wild boar ragù. The intense and wild taste of the boar blends with the structure and complexity of the Aglianico, creating a balance of flavors that enhances both. A second dish that pairs well with this wine could be a roast beef with aromatic herbs. The red meat and aromatic herbs perfectly complement the wine's notes of red fruit and spices, creating a combination of flavors that delights the palate. As for cheeses, the Aglianico Castel del Monte DOC Bocca di Lupo pairs splendidly with aged cheeses like pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano. The strong and salty taste of these cheeses contrasts with the wine's sweetness, creating a balance of flavors that is a true pleasure for the palate. Finally, for a slightly bolder pairing, you might try this wine with a dish of grilled porcini mushrooms. The mushrooms, with their earthy and intense flavor, perfectly match the earthy and red fruit notes of the Aglianico, creating a pairing that is a true triumph of flavors. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place Alcohol content: 14.5% Vintage: 2020 Designation: Castel del Monte DOC