Di Majo Norante Contado Riserva 2016 (750ml)

The Di Majo Norante winery sits on the estate of the Marquis Norante of Santa Cristina in the region of Molise, along the Adriatic Sea between Puglia and Abruzzo. The cultivation of vines in this area dates to 500 BC, when the region was inhabited by two pre-Roman civilizations. Their Contado is made with 100% Aglianico. The grapes are hand-harvested in late October and undergo an extended period of maceration to build incredible concentration and flavor. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is matured in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrel for eighteen months, resulting in a layered, complex wine. Pair this intense, spicy red with roasted pork or rich cheeses.  

Ashen soils, crushed stone, animal musk, plum and exotic savory spices can all be found in the dark and sultry 2016 Aglianico Riserva Contado. It's velvety yet not weighty, energized by bright acidity with tart black fruits, minerals and grippy tannins that saturate the senses. These are unseen depths here which are currently restrained by Contado's hulking structure, yet there's also a harmony that tempts the imagination as to what's to come. Currants, wild herbs, salted licorice and hints of tobacco linger long. This is a like a well-muscled stallion, yet it needs some time in the cellar to soften.