What kind of wine is Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio
The Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio is a red wine of character and great personality, an emblem of the Campania region. It is born in the heart of the Taurasi area, from old Aglianico vines cultivated between Avellino and the ridges of the southern Apennines. This grape variety, one of the most important in Southern Italy, gives rise to a full-bodied, deep, and long-lived wine, capable of expressing the authenticity and strength of Irpinia.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage is remembered as one of the most balanced of recent years. A regular climate pattern, with warm but not excessive summers and good thermal excursions, allowed for a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The result is a wine with excellent aromatic concentration and perfectly integrated tannins. The Serpico 2016 stands out for its elegance and freshness, characteristics that give it great harmony and exceptional aging potential.
Winemaking and Aging
The fermentation of Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio takes place in steel tanks at controlled temperatures, followed by a long maceration on the skins to extract color, aromas, and structure. Subsequently, the wine ages for 18 months in French oak barriques, where it evolves and acquires complex notes. After bottling, it undergoes further rest in the bottle to achieve the perfect balance between power and finesse.
Tasting Notes
The Serpico 2016 is a wine that captivates with its depth and ability to evolve in the glass.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense, almost impenetrable ruby red color, with garnet reflections that testify to its maturity and long life ahead.
Nose
The aroma is ample and enveloping. Notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum are recognized, followed by nuances of sweet spices, tobacco, cocoa, and light balsamic notes. The evolution in wood adds complexity, offering a bouquet of rare elegance.
Palate
On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with dense but velvety tannins and a taste profile balanced by a pleasant freshness. Long and persistent, it leaves a sensation of warmth and harmony that invites a second sip. The finish is refined, with spicy and fruity returns of great class.
Food Pairings for Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio
Thanks to its structure and intense taste, the Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio pairs wonderfully with dishes of strong and articulate flavor. It is an ideal wine to accompany:
- Grilled or roasted red meats;
- Braised and stewed beef or wild boar;
- Aged hard cheeses;
- Typical dishes of the Campanian tradition, such as genovese or Neapolitan ragù.
Also perfect for moments of relaxation and meditation, it is a red that speaks of the conviviality and authenticity of the South.
Storage and Aging
For those wondering how to store Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio wine, the answer is simple: keep it horizontally, away from light and at a constant temperature between 14°C and 16°C. It is a wine that can evolve magnificently in the bottle for over ten years, developing increasingly complex and refined aromas. If well-preserved, its structure and freshness will make it even more intriguing over time.
Feudi di San Gregorio
The history of Feudi di San Gregorio winery The Feudi di San Gregorio winery represents a treasure of Italian winemaking heritage, founded with the aim of reviving Irpinia's enological traditions. Located in the heart of Campania, the company was established in the 1980s and has managed to mainta...
How to best open and serve Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio, position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours if it has been stored horizontally. This allows any sediment, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing the wine from becoming cloudy when served.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The ideal temperature to fully appreciate Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio is 18 °C. If the wine is stored in a cellar, allow it to reach this temperature slowly, avoiding sudden temperature changes that could alter its aromas and tannic structure.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew or a two-stage corkscrew for safe opening. Proceed as follows:
- Carefully remove the capsule from the base of the bottle neck ring.
- Wipe the top of the neck with a dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork, turning slowly until it is almost fully inserted.
- Gently extract the cork, avoiding jerks that could disturb the sediment.
4. Inspection and Initial Tasting
Check that the cork shows no signs of mold or unusual odors. Pour a small amount of Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio into a glass and taste to ensure the wine is in perfect condition. A complex aroma, with notes of ripe fruit and spices, indicates proper storage.
5. Decanting and Aeration
As this is a structured and aged red wine, decanting is recommended. Perform this operation calmly:
- Slowly pour the wine into a decanting carafe, keeping the bottle tilted and ensuring that the sediment remains at the bottom.
- Allow the wine to aerate for approximately 60-90 minutes before serving.
This phase allows Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio to best express its complex aromas and the full elegance of its tannins.
6. Serving
Use large red wine glasses to promote aeration in the glass. Slowly pour approximately one-third of the glass at a time. The intense ruby color and evolved aromas will emerge progressively, providing a complete and refined tasting experience.
7. Storage After Opening
If not fully consumed, recork the bottle with a vacuum stopper and store in a cool place, away from light and heat sources. Irpinia Aglianico DOC 'Serpico' 2016 - Feudi di San Gregorio can maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days after opening if well protected from oxygen.