2016 Aglianico
Blend Composition | 100% Aglianico
Harvest Date | September 30
Finished pH | 3.80
Finished TA | 6.0g/L
Alcohol by Volume | 14.5%
Production | 122 cases
VINTAGE
Despite the ongoing statewide drought, Napa Valley received close to average rainfall in 2015-16. More than 12” fell in March 2016, ensuring that the vines had ample water as they emerged from dormancy. The growing season was considerably cooler than in the previous two vintages, allowing us to harvest beautifully ripened grapes at the end of a long growing season.
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
A deep, vibrant crimson, this wine is dark and brooding, with a captivating nose offering notes of blackberry, black cherry and pomegranate, with hints of coffee and exotic spices. Dark chocolate-covered Bing cherries, coffee, and vanilla are evoked on the palate. The flavors are ever evolving and continually emerging. This wine is huge, with ample, chewy tannins that provide length on the palate for the myriad, complex flavors to harmonize. Delicious now, this wine will reward patient cellaring.
PAIRINGS
Enjoy with steak au poivre or a rich cheese such as taleggio or an aged pecorino.
- Matt Reid, Winemaker