2022 D'Angelo - Aglianico del Vulture DOC Valle del Noce (750ml)

Casa Vinicola D'Angelo is one of the oldest and most established producers in Basilicata, based in Barile at the foot of Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano in southern Italy. The estate has built a reputation over generations for showcasing the region's native Aglianico grape, drawing acclaim from major American wine publications and a spot among Wine Spectator's Top 100 wineries along the way. D'Angelo farms several distinct vineyard sites around Vulture, each bottled separately to reflect its own character, with Valle del Noce standing as a flagship, sourced from the winery's oldest plantings.

Valle del Noce comes from vineyards in Maschito, planted on medium-textured, volcanic-origin soil at the base of Mount Vulture. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand, typically in the latter half of October, and fermented using traditional methods. The wine is aged for fifteen to twenty months in large old barrels before spending further time resting in bottle, a patient process suited to Aglianico's naturally firm structure and a wine capable of developing further complexity with decades of cellaring.

The wine shows a deep ruby red color, with floral aromatics building into notes of blackberry and black pepper. The palate is powerful, rich, and juicy, with well-integrated tannins carrying through to a remarkably persistent finish. It pairs well with grilled or stewed meats, roasted lamb, or a platter of aged, hard cheeses.