Appellation Article

Taurasi DOCG

Last edited on 12/16/2013 by cliffkol
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Description of Taurasi region, by Amanda Schuster
http://www.snooth.com/region/italy/campania/taurasi/#ixzz2ndbTULw3

Taurasi is a wine region based on the Aglianico grape, located in Campania in southern Italy. The vineyards are within the high altitude area of Avellino, in soils composed of many elements, most notably limestone and volcanic ash. The wines from Taurasi have a tannic grip and slightly smoky finish unlike other Aglianicos, and this terroir composition is very much a contributing factor.

Wine-making has existed in the region for centuries, starting with the Greeks and into the Roman period and beyond. The great Norman Longobard castle still stands in Avellino. Aglianico itself is one of the original Greek-cultivated grapes, sometimes referred to as Ellenico. But Taurasi is very much a modern era wine and its success is specific to a single producer and vintage: Masterberardino 1968. This wine stormed the international scene and propelled the region to DOC status in 1970. It earned the superior DOCG classification in 1993. Bottles of the 1968 vintage still exist, and though rare, are said to still be very much alive in flavor.

Taurasi is exclusively a red wine, and must be at least 85% Aglianico, with an allowable 15% Piedirosso, Barbera and/or Sangiovese. Though most Taurasi is 100% Aglianico. They must be aged at least three years, with a minimum one year in barrel. Riservas are required to be aged at least four years with 18 months in barrel before release.

Many Taurasi producers are dedicated to small yields with attention to detail. Taurasi is best characterized by a mix of tart fruit flavors, coffee, earth, sweet smoke and leather, with flavors more extracted and concentrated with age. In fact, these wines can handle quite a long cellaring period if one has the patience to wait. For a red wine with a genuinely unique and flavorful character, a wine that really tastes like something, Taurasi is a truly rewarding experience. ~Amanda Schuster



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