What kind of wine is Benevento Aglianico IGP 'Rocca dei Leoni' 2021 - Villa Matilde?

Benevento Aglianico IGP 'Rocca dei Leoni' 2021 - Villa Matilde is a red wine from Campania with a bold and elegant character. It is made from the Aglianico grape variety, one of the region's most important and ancient, capable of producing intense, structured, and long-lived wines. The IGP Benevento designation highlights the deep connection with a hilly territory with an ideal climate, where the grapes achieve balanced and complete ripeness.

The result is a medium-full-bodied red, harmonious and pleasantly balanced, perfect for those seeking a quality wine to enjoy with flavorful and convivial dishes.

Vintage details

The 2021 harvest was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with alternating sunny days and cool nights. These conditions favored a slow and homogeneous ripening of the Aglianico grapes, resulting in fruits rich in aromas and fine tannins. The harvest, carried out by hand at the ideal time, ensured a careful selection of the best grapes.

Vinification and aging

After destemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with about 10 days of maceration on the skins, useful for extracting the most intense color and aromas. This is followed by a period of aging in both steel tanks and wood, to harmonize the tannins and give the wine structure and depth. After bottling, the wine rests further in the cellar for a short period, to achieve perfect aromatic and gustatory balance.

Tasting notes

Color

Visually, it presents a beautiful intense, lively, and brilliant ruby color, with slight purple nuances typical of a young and fresh Aglianico.

Nose

The aroma is broad and enveloping, with notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry, accompanied by delicate spicy hints and slight violet undertones. The bouquet evolves elegantly in the glass, revealing mineral nuances and a freshness typical of Benevento wines.

Palate

On the palate, it displays a bold and harmonious character. The tannins, present but well-smoothed, are balanced by good acidity that gives momentum and drinkability. The structure is solid but not heavy, with a long and pleasantly fruity finish. The finish offers sensations of ripe cherry and sweet spices.

What dishes to pair with Benevento Aglianico IGP 'Rocca dei Leoni' 2021 - Villa Matilde

This Aglianico is a versatile companion for many traditional Italian recipes, especially for intensely flavored dishes. Recommended pairings include:

• Pasta with meat ragu or lasagna
• Grilled red meats and roasts
• Aged cheeses and pecorino cheeses
• Strongly flavored cured meats such as soppressata or capocollo

Also perfect with Mediterranean dishes where tomato and spices meet its tannic structure and fresh liveliness.

Storage and aging: how to store Benevento Aglianico IGP 'Rocca dei Leoni' 2021 - Villa Matilde wine

To best preserve the characteristics of this wine, it is important to store it in a dark place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal.

Benevento Aglianico IGP 'Rocca dei Leoni' 2021 already offers great pleasure today, but it can evolve positively for at least 3-5 years, developing more complex and rounded aromas. It is the ideal choice for those who want to have a red wine in their cellar capable of growing over time without losing its original charm.