Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Rivera Cappellaccio Castel del Monte Aglianico Riserva (Puglia, Italy) – $18.99, regularly $26.99.
Founded by Sebastiano de Corato in the late 1940’s with the intension of creating a name for the hilly Castel del Monte area for his Azienda Vinicola Rivera. The winery became popular and has set a benchmark for Puglia (located in the far south-eastern corner of the boot of Italy) quality wine production. In the early 1980s, Sebastiano’s son Carlo carried on with new innovations and the winery at present is run by the fourth generation – Carlo’s sons Sebastiano and Marco. Nowadays, they are easily the leading ambassadors for the Puglia region.
Our weekly special this week is their Cappellaccio Castel del Monte Aglianico Riserva, a red that expresses the full potential of Aglianico grown on the limestone hills of the DOC Castel del Monte. The Cappellaccio Aglianico Riserva takes its name from the thin and hard calcareous crust that is found at around 30-40 cm under the limestone soils that has to be broken in order to allow vines to be planted.
Deep ruby colored with typical Aglianico character show through on the nose – earth, leather, smoke and spice! The palate is judiciously tannic but not too aggressive. Good concentration of blackberry fruit leads to a roasted herbs, plums and berry soaked finish. Try with grilled savory meats and mature cheeses.