Taurasi Riserva 'Massale' Antico Castello 2013

The Taurasi Riserva 'Massale' represents the most prestigious label of the Antico Castello winery, made from a selection of grapes from the vineyards in the locality of Sant'Agata, in the San Mango sul Calore commune. Aglianico is one of the most important grape varieties in southern Italy, which in the Taurasi area gives rise to reds of extraordinary elegance and imposing structure. In particular, the Taurasi regulations provide for a rather restricted production area that falls mainly in the Calore Valley, comprising seventeen municipalities located on the right and left banks of the Calore River.

'Massale' Taurasi Riserva Antico Castello is a pure Aglianico in the Coda di Cavallo clone, grown on clay and limestone soils located 400 metres above sea level. Usually, during the first ten days of November, the grapes are harvested by hand and then placed in stainless steel tanks for temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation accompanied by 30 days of maceration on the skins. The ensuing ageing period lasts for about 36 months and takes place in large oak casks of 25 and 50 hectolitres, followed by at least 5 years of further bottle ageing before final marketing.

The Taurasi Riserva 'Massale' from the Antico Castello estate reveals an intense ruby red colour in the glass. The olfactory panorama is articulated on suggestions of cherry, ripe plum, berries and floral essences, imbued with elegant balsamic, spicy and toasted sensations. The taste development is full and intense, characterised by a robust and austere structure and a mature tannic texture that prolongs the persistence on the palate. Balsamic and spicy perceptions consistent with the nose reappear on the finish.