What wine is Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce is a red wine of great personality, an authentic expression of Basilicata and its extraordinary indigenous grape variety, Aglianico del Vulture. Produced on the slopes of Mount Vulture, an ancient inactive volcano that enriches the soil with minerals, this wine combines elegance, depth, and a sense of place in a glass with a strong identity.
The body is full and structured, characterized by a perfect balance between freshness and softness, with present but harmonious tannins. It is a label that speaks of the patience and artistry of Michele Laluce, a winemaker who has masterfully interpreted the unique characteristics of this Lucanian terroir.
Vintage Details
The 2014 harvest was marked by balanced climatic conditions, with significant temperature variations between day and night that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The result is a wine with a fresh and deep profile, capable of combining fruity intensity and aromatic complexity. Each cluster was hand-picked and selected to ensure only the healthiest and ripest fruits, essential for creating a red wine of great longevity.
Vinification and Aging
The vinification of Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce follows a traditional process, meticulously executed. After controlled fermentation in steel, which preserves the primary fruit aromas, the wine undergoes a prolonged maceration on the skins to extract color, structure, and noble tannins. Subsequently, it matures in oak barrels for several months, during which it refines its aromas and rounds out its gustatory complexity.
Tasting Notes
The tasting experience of Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce is a sensory journey into the heart of Basilicata, where the wine reveals its decisive yet refined soul.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with delicate garnet reflections, a sign of its maturity and evolution over time.
Nose
The aroma is complex and enveloping: notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum stand out, followed by balsamic, spicy, and slightly toasted hints reminiscent of wood and undergrowth. With aeration, nuances of sweet tobacco and cocoa emerge, testifying to an unmistakable elegance.
Palate
On the palate, it is full, warm, and persistent. The tannins are fine but present, integrated into a balanced structure and supported by a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and harmonious, with echoes of red fruit and sweet spices that invite another sip.
Food Pairings for Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce
The structure and intensity of this Aglianico make it ideal for pairing with rich and flavorful dishes from Italian tradition. Perfect for enhancing festive cuisine and rustic southern recipes.
- Grilled or braised red meats
- Game and aromatic stews
- Aged hard cheeses
- Pasta with Lucanian ragù or baked lasagna
Also excellent for meditation, enjoyed on its own, perhaps after dinner, to appreciate its full complexity.
Storage and Aging: How to store Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce
To best preserve the qualities of this wine, it is important to store it in a dark, cool place, with a constant temperature around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal over time.
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing increasingly complex and refined nuances. Ideal for those who desire a collector's wine or one to open on special occasions.
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 DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce, it is essential to position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during service. If the wine has been stored horizontally in the cellar, handle the bottle gently and bring it to an upright position the day before opening.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect temperature to best enjoy Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce is between 18°C and 20°C. A temperature that is too low would hide its spicy and balsamic notes, while one that is too high would accentuate its alcohol content. If the bottle is stored in a cellar, leave it at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew or a double-blade corkscrew to avoid damaging the cork, which may be fragile after years of aging.
- Cut the capsule below the ring of the bottle neck.
- Clean the rim with a clean, dry cloth.
- Slowly extract the cork, avoiding abrupt movements.
If the cork breaks, gently use a cork extractor to retrieve the remaining part.
4. Inspection and Initial Tasting
Before serving, observe the wine's color and smell the cork: it should have clean aromas consistent with a well-preserved wine. Pour a small amount into the glass and check that the aromas are balanced, intense, and free from defects. This step ensures that Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce is in its best form.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Being a structured and mature wine, it benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, avoiding disturbing the sediment. Let it breathe for 30-60 minutes: this process helps to open up the aromas and soften the tannins, enhancing the aromatic complexity typical of Aglianico del Vulture.
For optimal results, use a candle or light source to monitor the wine flow and stop decanting as soon as the sediment begins to approach the bottle neck.
6. Serving
Serve Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce in large, tulip-shaped or balloon glasses, which allow for good oxygenation. Pour moderate quantities for each diner, so that the wine maintains its optimal temperature and can be savored slowly.
- Avoid filling the glass more than one-third of its capacity.
- Swirl the wine gently in the glass to appreciate its complex bouquet.
- Pair with red meat dishes, game, or aged cheeses for a perfect match.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with an airtight stopper and store it in a cool, dark place. A wine like Aglianico del Vulture DOCG 'Le Drude' 2014 - Michele Laluce can maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days after opening if stored correctly. For longer preservation, you can use a vacuum pump or an inert gas system that limits oxidation.