What kind of wine is Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce
The Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce originates from the most suitable vineyards of Basilicata, on the slopes of Mount Vulture. The Aglianico grape, often called "the Barolo of the South" due to its elegance and aging potential, finds its most authentic expression in this area. The volcanic soil and continental climate – with harsh winters and hot summers, but with significant temperature fluctuations – contribute to a slow ripening of the grapes, fostering a perfect balance between structure, acidity, and aroma. The result is a full-bodied, deep, and persistent wine that perfectly represents the identity and character of the Vulture territory.Vintage details
The 2016 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions: well-distributed spring rains and a dry but not excessively hot summer. These characteristics favored optimal ripening of the Aglianico grapes, with a perfect concentration of sugars and polyphenols. The result is a harmonious, intense wine of great aromatic finesse, with polished tannins and a broad potential for evolution.Winemaking and aging
The winemaking process for Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce involves traditional fermentation in steel tanks, with maceration on the skins for about two weeks, in order to best extract color and tannins. This is followed by aging in oak barrels, where the wine rests and harmonizes for several months, developing complexity and roundness. A further period of maturation in the bottle completes its finesse, making it ready for tasting but at the same time suitable for long aging.Tasting notes
The Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce is a wine that tells the story of its territory through every nuance.Color
It presents a deep ruby red color, with garnet reflections that anticipate its evolution and complexity. Clear and brilliant, it immediately reveals good concentration.Nose
The nose is intense and rich: notes of ripe red fruits, plum, and black cherry emerge, accompanied by spicy hints and slight accents of tobacco and dark chocolate. The aromatic profile is elegant and well-balanced, with a pleasant mineral freshness that recalls the volcanic nature of the soil.Palate
On the palate, Zimberno is structured and enveloping: the tannins are present but perfectly integrated, the freshness supports the sip, and the persistence is long, with a savory and harmonious finish. A decisive yet balanced wine that gains complexity sip after sip.Which dishes to pair with Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce
This Aglianico del Vulture prefers dishes with character, capable of supporting its structure and aromatic intensity. Perfect with:- Grilled or braised red meats
- Stews and game
- Aged and pungent cheeses
- Pasta with ragù or baked lasagna
Storage and aging: how to store Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce wine
To best preserve its characteristics, Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce should be stored in a cool place, at a constant temperature of around 14-16°C, away from light and heat sources. The bottle must remain in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist. Thanks to its structure and the presence of well-balanced tannins, this wine has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the cellar for over 10 years, developing increasingly complex and soft nuances, ideal for lovers of great red wines from Southern Italy.Michele Laluce
The story of the Michele Laluce winery The Michele Laluce winery is a small gem in the world of wine, where tradition and heritage harmoniously intertwine with innovation and modern vision. Founded in a region rich in winemaking history, the company has managed to preserve traditional practices, ...
How to best open and serve Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening a bottle of Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce, it's important to position it correctly. If stored horizontally, place it upright for at least 24 hours before serving. This way, any natural aging sediments will settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in your glass.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This structured and complex red wine best expresses its aromas at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. Too cold, it would appear closed on the nose; too warm, it would lose balance and freshness. If necessary, allow it to acclimate for 30-40 minutes before opening.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew to ensure a clean cork removal. Proceed as follows:
- Carefully cut the capsule just below the neck ring.
- Clean the rim of the bottle with a clean cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew spiral into the center of the cork and remove it with a slow, steady motion, avoiding jolts or vibrations.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, check that the cork is intact and free of unusual odors. Pour a small amount of Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce into the glass and evaluate its color and aroma: it should be clear, with hints of ripe fruit, spices, and mineral notes. If the wine appears closed, proceed with decanting.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Being an aged wine, decanting is essential to release its full aromatic complexity. Perform this operation carefully:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe, avoiding disturbing the sediments.
- Allow it to rest and oxygenate for 30-60 minutes, depending on the wine's concentration and evolution.
- During this time, the aromas will open up and the tannic texture will soften.
6. Serving
Serve Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Zimberno' 2016 - Michele Laluce in large, structured red wine glasses, which favor aeration and the perception of the bouquet. Pour a moderate amount into the glass to allow the wine to best release its aromas during tasting.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, re-cork the bottle with an airtight stopper and store it in a cool, dark place. Thanks to its structure, it can maintain good characteristics for up to 2-3 days after opening. To prolong its life, you can use a vacuum pump or inert gas preservation systems.