What kind of wine is Campania Aglianico IGT 'Poliphemo' 2019 - Luigi Tecce

Campania Aglianico IGT 'Poliphemo' 2019 by Luigi Tecce is a powerful and authentic red wine, born in the heart of Irpinia. 100% Aglianico, a symbolic grape variety of Southern Italy, it intensely expresses the identity of its territory: a full-bodied, deep wine, with great structure and aromatic richness. The grapes come from a vineyard of about 1.2 hectares, with century-old vines rooted in calcareous-sandy soils with a clayey matrix, rich in volcanic elements. A soil that gives concentration and complexity to every grape, making 'Poliphemo' a red wine of great personality and longevity.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in Campania was characterized by balanced weather, with warm but not scorching summers and a dry autumn that allowed for slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The low yields and perfect health of the bunches contributed to an intense and harmonious wine, in which the typical power of Aglianico is accompanied by a rare elegance.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Campania Aglianico IGT 'Poliphemo' 2019 - Luigi Tecce follows an artisanal and respectful philosophy. Fermentation occurs spontaneously, meaning without the addition of selected yeasts, in chestnut vats. The prolonged maceration of about 40 days allows for a full extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. After fermentation, the wine ages for 24 months in tonneaux (medium-capacity wooden barrels) in contact with the fine lees, which give it complexity and roundness. Neither fining nor filtration is carried out, to preserve the full integrity of the fruit and the natural expressiveness of the territory.

Tasting Notes

Color

To the eye, Poliphemo 2019 presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red color, hinting at a wine of great density and concentration.

Nose

The aroma is broad and layered. Notes of ripe red fruit – such as black cherry and plum – intertwine with hints of tobacco, sweet spices, licorice, and a slight balsamic touch. The evolution in the glass continues for minutes, revealing ever new nuances.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, enveloping, and powerful, supported by significant, fine yet firm tannins, a distinctive mark of Aglianico. The structure is balanced by good freshness and a very long finish, with a finale that recalls sensations of ripe fruit and spices.

What dishes to pair with Campania Aglianico IGT 'Poliphemo' 2019 - Luigi Tecce

Poliphemo 2019 is a perfect companion for rich and flavorful dishes. It best enhances its qualities when paired with:

• grilled or roasted red meats;
• braised and stewed beef or wild boar;
• aged cheeses and medium-long aged pecorino cheeses;
• typical dishes of the Campanian tradition such as Neapolitan ragù.

Also ideal as a meditation wine, to be slowly savored to appreciate its complexity.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Campania Aglianico IGT 'Poliphemo' 2019 - Luigi Tecce, the answer is simple: it should be kept in a cool environment, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C and controlled humidity. It is important to store it horizontally, away from direct light and heat sources. Thanks to its structure and its balance between acidity and tannin, Poliphemo 2019 has a remarkable aging potential. It can evolve positively in the bottle for over 10-15 years, developing complex and refined aromas over time. A wine destined to improve year after year, offering different emotions with each opening.