The colour is medium ruby. On the nose cherries and bay leaves. In the mouth fresh and easy to drink. With air exposure it evolves in the glass. The aftertaste is medium long. Overall an interesting wine and a pleasant drinking experience.
This wine is made in limited quantity (only 2’200 bottles are produced) by Agriloro, with Merlot grapes, and vinified in 1’700 litre Cocciopesto amphora. Cocciopesto is a mixture of crushed clay, stone fragments, sand, and natural fiber binders, plus water. This mixture is then formed into vessels that are waterproof but allow micro-oxygenation. Cocciopesto was widely used by the Romans to make storage vessels.
After the wine has been made, it ages for 10 months in the same amphora. The result is a wine not influenced by the oak flavours.
Clay can be thought of as a middle ground between steel and oak. Stainless steel allows for an oxygen-free environment and doesn’t impart any flavors to the wine. Oak, on the other hand, allows for oxygen to reach the juice, but the wood’s tannins and toasting also affect the aromas and flavors of the wine.
Like oak, clay is porous, allowing for some oxygen, but like steel it’s a neutral material and doesn’t impart any additional aromas or flavors.
I bought this bottle directly at the winery for 30 CHF (currently with 10% discount). I found it a very interesting and fascinating experience.
Country: Switzerland
Region: Ticino
Grapes: Merlot
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Agriloro
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5