What kind of wine is Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo

The Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo is a red wine from Campania of great structure and personality, an authentic expression of pure Aglianico. It originates from the “Vigna Grande Cerzito” cru, in the heart of Irpinia, where Quintodecimo’s production philosophy aims to highlight the deep connection between land, vine, and man. The volcanic and well-drained soils, along with the altitude and the south-facing exposure of the vineyard planted in 2004, give rise to a full-bodied wine, powerful yet extremely balanced. A Taurasi that combines strength and finesse, destined to evolve elegantly over time.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with a warm but balanced summer and a dry autumn, ideal for the perfect ripening of the Aglianico. The hand-picked grapes achieved an optimal balance of sugars, acidity, and tannins, yielding an intense and harmonious wine with remarkable aromatic depth.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo follows a process meticulously cared for in every detail. After destemming and soft pressing, the must ferments at controlled temperatures for about two weeks, with prolonged maceration on the skins to extract color and complex aromas. Aging takes place in new French oak barriques for 18-24 months, followed by a further period of maturation in the bottle. This long process gives the wine an extraordinary tannic softness and aromatic depth that makes it unique among great Italian reds.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, the wine presents a deep and luminous ruby color, enriched by garnet reflections that anticipate its structure and balanced acidity.

Nose

The aromatic profile is rich and complex: notes of ripe red fruits, cherry, and plum stand out, accompanied by hints of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. Balsamic sensations and light toasted nuances emerge in the background, evidence of the long aging in wood.

Palate

On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with dense yet silky tannins that blend perfectly with the wine's structure. The lively acidity supports the softness, conferring balance and length. The persistence is extraordinary, with a finish that recalls spices and dark fruit.

Food Pairings for Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo

This Taurasi Riserva is the ideal companion for rich and flavorful dishes from traditional Italian cuisine. It pairs perfectly with:

• grilled or stewed red meats, such as braised dishes and beef stews;
• game dishes, especially wild boar and hare;
• aged hard cheeses, such as pecorino or Caciocavallo Podolico.

Thanks to its elegance and complexity, it can also successfully accompany moments of meditation, where the wine becomes the absolute protagonist.

Storage and Aging – how to store Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo wine

To best preserve the qualities of Taurasi Riserva DOCG “Vigna Grande Cerzito” 2020 - Quintodecimo, it is important to store it in a cool, dark environment with controlled humidity, around 70%. The ideal temperature is between 14 and 16°C, with the bottle laid on its side so that the cork remains constantly moist. This is a wine with remarkable longevity: if well stored, it can evolve in the bottle for over 15 years, developing even more complex aromas and an increasingly harmonious taste over time.