What kind of wine is Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia?
Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia is a red wine from Campania made from one of the most representative grape varieties of Southern Italy: Aglianico. Coming from the vineyards of Irpinia, a hilly area in the hinterland of Avellino, this red wine is distinguished by its elegant structure and its decisive yet balanced character. It is a medium-to-full-bodied wine, capable of combining power and finesse, expressing all the personality of the territory from which it comes.
Vintage details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a dry climate and good temperature excursions between day and night, conditions that favored optimal ripening of the Aglianico grapes. The bunches achieved perfect sugar and polyphenol concentration, yielding a wine with an intense aromatic profile and well-smoothed tannins. A vintage that rewarded those, like Petilia, who carefully interpreted the seasonal trend.
Vinification and aging
The vinification of Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia involves a long maceration on the skins, carried out at controlled temperature, to best extract color, aromas, and tannins. After fermentation, the wine rests for about twelve months in oak barriques and tonneaux, where it refines its structure and develops delicate spicy notes. The aging in small wooden barrels contributes to complexity and roundness, without masking the fruity soul of the wine.
Tasting notes
A wine that authentically tells the story of its territory, balancing intensity and drinkability.
Color
Visually, it presents a deep, brilliant ruby red, with garnet reflections that denote the maturity achieved in the glass.
Nose
On the nose, a beautiful complexity of aromas stands out: ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum blend with elegant notes of black pepper, sweet tobacco, and a hint of vanilla, a legacy of its time in wood. Every aroma is well integrated and invites tasting.
Palate
In the mouth, the wine shows a solid structure, with present but well-integrated tannins. It is balanced, fresh, and persistent. The long and harmonious finish offers fruity and spicy sensations that pleasantly intertwine.
What dishes to pair with Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia
Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between freshness and body, Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia is an extraordinarily versatile wine at the table. It pairs very well with medium-structured and flavorful dishes. Some recommended pairings:
- Grilled or oven-roasted red meat dishes;
- Traditional stews and braised meats;
- Cured meats and medium-intensity aged cheeses;
- Pasta with meat sauces or classic ragù.
Also ideal as a convivial wine for a dinner with friends, where its softness and aromatic drive can please everyone.
Storage and aging: how to store Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia wine
To best appreciate its qualities, it is important to know how to store Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia. The wine should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and strong temperature fluctuations. The bottle should preferably be laid on its side, so that the cork remains moist and maintains its seal.
Ideal storage temperature: between 12°C and 16°C. Thanks to its good structure and the presence of fine tannins, this Aglianico can evolve in the bottle for several years: up to 6-8 years from the harvest, developing further complex aromas of undergrowth and sweet spices. A wine destined to offer pleasant surprises over time, both for those who drink it today and for those who choose to let it mature a little longer in the cellar.
Petilia
The history of Petilia winery Nestled among the green hills and fertile lands of the Italian countryside, the Petilia winery is a tangible testament to tradition and innovation coexisting in harmonious synergy. With roots firmly planted in the region's winemaking history, Petilia was born as a fa...
How to best open and serve Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This will allow the sediments, which are natural in aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass when served.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To fully appreciate the complex notes of this Campanian wine, bring it to a serving temperature of 18°C. If the wine is stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, remove it about an hour before opening to allow it to reach the right thermal balance.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a waiter's friend corkscrew or a double-lever corkscrew to gently extract the cork from the bottle. In case of a fragile cork, typical of wines aged for several years, consider using a two-pronged cork puller to avoid breakage. After removing the cork, clean the neck of the bottle with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
4. Inspection and first taste
Observe the color by pouring a small amount into the glass: it should present a deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Smell the wine to assess its quality and integrity: the aromas should be elegant, with hints of ripe red fruit, spices, and light balsamic notes. A small taste will allow you to check for any defects due to the cork or oxidation.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Decanting is essential to enhance a structured wine like Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia. Proceed by slowly pouring the wine into the decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and checking for the appearance of sediment. Let it oxygenate for about 45–60 minutes: this will allow the aromas to open up and the tannins to soften, offering a more harmonious and expressive drinking experience.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large tulip-shaped or Bordeaux glasses, ideal for emphasizing the aromatic complexity and structure of Aglianico. Pour a moderate amount into each glass to allow the wine to breathe further and enjoy it slowly, appreciating its evolution in the glass during the tasting.
7. Storage after opening
If you don't finish the bottle, seal it tightly with an airtight or vacuum stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Le Sepaie' 2017 - Petilia will maintain its qualities for 2–3 days. Before serving it again, allow it to gradually return to the ideal serving temperature.