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€114,00
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Vintage:
1997
Denomination:
Salento
Origin:
Italy, Apulia
Alcohol:
13.5%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
18°
When to drink:
Dinner, Lunch, Meditation
Type:
Red Wine
Taste:
warm and harmonious, with notes of ripe fruit and a light spiciness
Flavorings:
red berries, spices, vanilla
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio?
The Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio is one of the most representative labels of ancient Salento winemaking tradition. Born from the passionate work of the Apollonio family, this red reserve wine is the result of the harmonious union of three native grape varieties: Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Aleatico. It is a blend of great depth and character, which tells the story of the warmth of the territory and the ability of the vineyards of Lower Salento to produce long-lived, intense, and enveloping wines. Full-bodied, balanced, and full of charm, the "Vigna Vitrilli Grande" is a meditation wine, but also an ideal companion for the table, capable of captivating both connoisseurs and those taking their first steps into the world of wine.Vintage details
The 1997 vintage is considered one of the most balanced of the decade for Salento, characterized by a warm and dry climate, but with good temperature excursions between day and night. The harvest, postponed by a few days compared to the average, allowed for optimal grape ripening, concentrating complex aromas and sweet tannins. This contributed to creating a harmonious wine, with a full structure and surprising freshness despite its significant evolution.Winemaking and aging
After a careful selection in the vineyard, the Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Aleatico grapes are hand-picked and subjected to a long fermentation of about 35-40 days in oak barrels, at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic purity. This is followed by a long maturation process divided into several phases:- 72 months of aging in oak barriques to give depth and aromatic complexity
- 6 months in large barrels, which harmonize the wine's structure
- 12 months in bottle before commercialization, to achieve perfect roundness
Tasting notes
Color
It presents an intense garnet red, with ruby reflections that tend towards brick, a distinctive sign of its long evolution in wood and bottle.Nose
On the nose, the “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” releases a broad and intriguing olfactory range: notes of red fruit jam, cherry in spirit, and plum blend with tertiary sensations of cocoa, sweet tobacco, and noble spices. A rich and well-defined bouquet, where elegance prevails over intensity.Taste
On the palate, it is warm, enveloping, and persistent. The tannins are mature and polished, supported by a full but balanced structure. The finish is long and harmonious, with an aftertaste of ripe fruit and spicy notes that invite another sip.What dishes to pair with Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio
This reserve wine pairs perfectly with robust and flavorful dishes. Ideal with:- grilled or stewed red meats, such as braised beef or beef stew
- feathered or furred game
- aged and spicy cheeses
- typical Salento dishes based on ragù or meats in sauce
Storage and aging: how to store Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio
To best preserve the complexity of this wine, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark environment with controlled humidity. Here are some practical tips:- Ideal temperature: between 12°C and 16°C
- Position: bottle lying down, to keep the cork always in contact with the wine
- Light and vibrations: avoid prolonged exposure to light sources or heat
Apollonius
The history of Apollonio winery Apollonio winery is a pillar of Italian winemaking tradition, masterfully combining the heritage of the past with modern innovation. Founded over a century ago, Apollonio embodies the authentic soul of Puglia, a region home to sun-kissed vineyards influenced by the...
How to best open and serve Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio, it is advisable to position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing with the wine during service. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, handle it gently and move it as little as possible.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This prestigious Salento Rosso Riserva expresses its aromatic qualities best at a temperature of 18°C. A wine that is too cold would appear closed and unexpressive, while at excessively high temperatures, the alcohol could overpower the aromas. If necessary, allow the bottle to acclimatize at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
As this is a vintage wine, open it with great care:
- Cut the capsule below the bottle's neck ring.
- Clean the rim thoroughly with a cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew slowly, avoiding pushing the cork inwards.
- If the cork appears fragile, consider using a long-lever corkscrew or one specifically designed for old corks.
Once extracted, check that the cork shows no signs of mold or oxidation and that the aroma is clean and consistent with the wine.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio into a glass to evaluate its color and aroma. A slight sediment or a slightly brownish tone is normal in such a mature wine. The nose should reveal complex notes of dried fruit, spices, and leather, a sign of noble evolution. If the smell is pleasant, the wine is ready for decanting.
5. Decanting and aeration
Decanting a 1997 wine requires precision and calmness:
- Use a clean and dry decanting carafe.
- Pour the wine slowly, keeping the bottle tilted and controlling the flow with a light (such as a candle or flashlight) to avoid transferring sediments.
- Allow the wine to aerate in the decanter for approximately 30-45 minutes.
This time allows the mature aromas to fully express themselves, achieving maximum balance between softness and complexity.
6. Serving
Serve Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio in large, tulip-shaped glasses, which promote aeration and the perception of aromas. Pour modest quantities per glass to maintain the wine at the correct temperature during tasting. Pair with structured dishes, such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses, to enhance its depth and refinement.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will maintain good aromatic integrity for 24-48 hours. Before serving again, bring it back to the ideal serving temperature. It is advisable not to store it beyond this period, given the delicacy of a long-evolved wine like this Salento Rosso Riserva IGT “Vigna Vitrilli Grande” 1997 - Apollonio.
