Type: Red

Grape variety: Aglianico

Vintage: NV

Country:  Italy

Region: Campania

"Ognostro," the word for ink in Neapolitan dialect, is a deep, intense and full-bodied red wine. This is 100% Aglianico, from a blend of two vineyards: one located in Montemarano, 400 meters above sea level with 30 year old vines at a north exposure, and the second in Castelfranci, 480 meters above sea level, planted with 50-90 year old vines (pergola-trained) at a southwest exposure and with much less clay that Montemarano. Hand-harvested in early November, the de-stemmed grapes were macerated for one month in concrete vats, fermented in concrete and steel, and aged for 18 months in concrete and ceramic amphorae. On the nose you will find dark berry fruits, spices, flowers, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate it is elegant and powerful, complex and decisive, with a remarkable boost of freshness and perfectly integrated tannins.
"The 2020 Rosso Ognostro is enticing, slowly awakening with a complex blend of dried flowers, incense and camphor complicated by white pepper and crushed blackberries. It washes across the palate with soft, enveloping textures while delivering plush, ripe red and black fruits. A reverberation of zesty tension mounts towards the close. The acidity within really resonates, adding a mouthwatering sensation despite the 2020's power and youthful structure. The Rosso Ognostro finished with decent length and potency yet is utterly balanced. Marco Tinessa did a fantastic job here. Of note, as of 2020, Ognostro Rosso is now matured in 50% amphora, as opposed to the 25% of past vintages. Drinking window: 2024-2033."
94 pts, Eric Guido, April 2023.