What kind of wine is Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano?

The Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano is a red wine with character from the heart of Basilicata, in the Vulture area, a volcanic territory capable of giving wines structure, depth, and longevity. It is made from vines over fifty years old, cultivated with artisanal methods and in full respect of the environment. In the glass, it presents itself as a full-bodied and decisive red, yet with an elegant and concrete style, typical of the production approach of Musto Carmelitano, one of the most representative wineries of the new generation of Vulture.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage was balanced in terms of climate and ripening: moderate temperatures and good temperature excursions favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The result is an Aglianico del Vulture with mature tannins, aromatic intensity, and a pleasant freshness that perfectly balances its rich structure.

Winemaking and aging

The production of Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano follows a natural and fruit-respecting approach. After manual harvesting, the wine ferments spontaneously in stainless steel tanks, without the addition of selected yeasts. Maceration on the skins – the period in which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and tannin – is carried out carefully to preserve balance and finesse. Aging continues for about 10 months, partly in steel and partly in concrete, a choice that allows the varietal purity of the grape to be maintained, without overpowering it with woody notes.

Tasting Notes

Here's how the Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano presents itself on tasting.

Color

Deep ruby red with violet reflections, a sign of its youth and the vigor of the grape variety.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses aromas of ripe red fruit – such as black cherry and plum – followed by notes of sweet spices and slight mineral nuances. A complex but balanced bouquet, which tells the story of the volcanic soil from which it originates.

Taste

In the mouth, it is full-bodied and rich, with a marked but silky tannic texture. The lively freshness supports the structure, giving the wine harmony and long persistence. The finish is clean, savory, and vibrant, with mineral hints typical of Vulture.

What dishes to pair with Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano

Its strength and complexity make it an ideal companion for rich and flavorful dishes. Recommended pairings include:

• grilled or braised red meats
• wild boar or beef ragout
• long-aged mature cheeses
• traditional Lucanian dishes such as pork sausages with "peperone crusco" (crunchy dried peppers)

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly, perhaps after dinner.

Storage and aging: how to store Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano

To maintain its qualities, it is advisable to store Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Serra del Prete' 2020 - Musto Carmelitano in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. This wine has an excellent capacity for evolution over time: it can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its vibrancy, but it will gain complexity and depth if left to rest in the cellar for 5-10 years. Over time, it will develop softer nuances and tertiary notes that will further enrich its aromatic profile.