On the nose a nice aroma of ripe/under spirit fruits, complemented by herbs, liquorice and tobacco notes. In the mouth a bit rough, due to the prickly tannins. A nice contrast to the sweet olfactory sensations. The aftertaste is drying, a bit bitter and, considering the overall experience, a little anticlimactic. The wine probably needs a few more years ageing, to soften the tannins. Nevertheless, this Irpinia Aglianico DOC produced from very old vines by Feudi di San Gregorio paired very well with the stewed jowl that it accompanied.
Feudi di San Gregorio was created 30 years ago, on the wave of the post-earthquake reconstruction years and the corresponding financing. Today it is a reality that produce some 4 mio. bottles a year.
Serpico is among the top wines of Feudi di San Gregorio and is priced around 35 EUR. A few days after having drunk this bottle, I also tasted their Taurasi DOCG 2012, which sells for 20 EUR. I found it less rich, but somehow more elegant and approachable. In the mouth clearly less astringent. Both wines profit from some oxygenation before being enjoyed.
Disclaimer: Wrote this post towards the end of a 4 courses dinner at the Michelin starred restaurant Marennà, located above the winery. Every dish has been accompanied by a corresponding wine and an overwhelming hospitality. Overall an amazing experience. Complimenti Feudi di San Gregorio!
Country: Italy
Region: Campania
Grapes: Aglianico
Type: Red
Vintage: 2012
Producer: Feudi di San Gregorio
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5