2015 Aglianico

Blend Composition | 100% Aglianico
Harvest Date | September 18
Finished pH | 3.80
Finished TA | 5.9g/L
Alcohol by Volume | 13.9%
Production | 133 cases

VINTAGE
The 2015 growing season started early in Napa Valley. As California entered its fourth year of drought, we were fortunate to receive spring rains sufficient to fill our reservoir and saturate the soil. Consistent sun and warmth throughout the growing season led to an early crop of high-quality grapes.

WINEMAKING
Aglianico is a dark-skinned Italian variety indigenous to the Campania region around Naples. It produces a deep ruby wine with powerful aromas and flavors and significant tannin. Our friends Bill and Kathy Collins grow the only Aglianico in Napa Valley, all of which comes to Benessere. We handle the grapes gently throughout fermentation, with a single daily punchdown to keep the cap moist. The wine matures in a mix of new and used French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

TASTING NOTES
The 2015 Aglianico has a captivating nose that offers notes of blueberry, huckleberry, rhubarb, baked fruit and exotic spices such as nutmeg and mace. It is tightly knit with notes of dark chocolate and brambly dark red fruit. The mouthcoating tannins lead to a long, sanguine finish.

PAIRINGS 
Enjoy with braised lamb shanks, steak au poivre, alongside roasted duck with a berry compote, a mushroom carpaccio with gremolata and shaved parmigiano or Spaghetti with Fresh Soppressata.

- Matt Reid, Winemaker