Salvatore Molettieri Taurasi ‘Cinque Querce’ 2016 750ml

A fully flared Taurasi, brimming with volcanic fire and brimstone. This said, the mid-palate to finish is a rocky road of compression and release, needing time to unfurl. This augurs for a bright future despite the morass and energy being a little inscrutable. Such is the tension. Shins and elbows. Pithy black cherry, licorice strap, sooty black rock, tobacco and exotic spice, from cardamon, clove, turmeric and curry leaf. A wonderful wine in the making. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Campania
• Appellation: Taurasi
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red
• Alcohol by Vol: 15.0%

Varietal

Aglianico

Aglianico is a black skinned grape most commonly associated with the exquisite wines of the Campania region of Italy. It thrives most happily in hot and dry climates, and as such, has had plenty of success in the New World, particularly in the United States, where it is used to great effect in many red wines. It was believed to come from Greece several thousand years ago, brought by Pheonician tradesman, and was wildly popular in Roman times, when it was used in the finest wines made by the Roman empire. Aglianico grapes produce full bodied red wines which have a high tannin and acid content. As such, it has excellent ageing potential, and with a standard amount of time in a barrel, it rounds out and mellows to produce beautifully balanced wines.