What kind of wine is Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara?

The Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara is a red wine from Campania, born in the heart of Irpinia, a region renowned for producing the great wines of Southern Italy. Made exclusively from Aglianico grapes, this wine embodies the winemaking tradition of one of the most authentic wineries in Irpinia's oenological landscape: Benito Ferrara. The result is an intense and harmonious red, with excellent structure and remarkable drinkability, perfectly interpreting the elegant and vigorous character typical of this grape variety.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was distinguished by a balanced climate, characterized by sunny days and cool nights that favored a slow and constant ripening of the grapes. This allowed for perfectly healthy bunches, with an excellent balance between sugars, acidity, and tannins. Benito Ferrara's Aglianico 2021 best expresses the vintage, showing freshness, good aromatic depth, and a fine yet well-present tannic texture.

Vinification and Aging

After a few days of maceration on the skins — a phase in which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and aromas — the wine ferments in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. This is followed by aging that enhances balance and complexity: approximately 30% of the mass rests for 11 months in second-passage barriques, while the remaining 70% matures in stainless steel. This choice allows the freshness of the fruit to be maintained, while simultaneously enriching it with delicate evolving notes due to the wood.

Tasting Notes

An elegant wine, capable of combining tradition with contemporary appeal.

Color

The color is a deep ruby red, with violet reflections that reveal its youth. Bright and consistent in the glass, it anticipates its structure and good concentration.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and plum, followed by hints of black pepper and slight toasted sensations, a result of the brief passage in wood. It is a balanced and harmonious bouquet, combining intensity and finesse.

Taste

On the palate, the Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara reveals a medium body and good tannic structure, typical of the grape variety but well-rounded. The tannins, though firm, are smooth and integrated. The finish is elegant, supported by a pleasant acidity and a long and harmonious persistence, a sign of balance and care in every production phase.

Food Pairings for Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara

This wine splendidly accompanies traditional Campania and Mediterranean dishes. Perfect with:

• Grilled red meats and roasts;
• Aged cheeses with intense flavor, such as pecorino or caciocavallo;
• Pasta dishes with ragù or meat sauces;
• Local cured meats and cold cuts.

Its versatility and the fineness of its tannins also make it ideal as a wine to share on convivial occasions, where quality and enjoyment must go hand in hand.

Storage and Aging: How to store Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara

To best appreciate the qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C, away from direct light sources and sudden temperature changes. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist.

The Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Quattro Confini” 2021 - Benito Ferrara has excellent aging potential: if stored correctly, it can evolve positively for 5-8 years, developing more complex aromas and greater roundness on the palate over time.