Di Majo Norante

Contado Aglianico del Molise Riserva DOC 2009

Wine Description

Made from 100% Aglianico grown in estate vineyards in the southeastern region of Molise. The grapes are hand-harvested in late October and undergo an extended period of maceration for incredible concentration and flavor. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is matured in a combination of stainless steel and barriques for eighteen months. The resulting wine is layered and complex.

Tasting Notes

Contado is ruby-red in color with light garnet reflections. The nose reveals ample aromas of ripe currants, blackberries, sweet spice, almonds, rhubarb and herbs. Contado is full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a soft, velvety mouthfeel. Recommended with full-flavored first courses, wild game, filet mignon and other roasted meats.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: The Ramitello area
Size of vineyard (acres): 38
Soil composition: Sand and clay
Training method: Trellis
Elevation (feet): 330
Vines/acre: 1,760
Yield/acre (tons): 3.2-4
Exposure: Southeastern
Year vineyard planted: 1968-2000

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 100% Aglianico
Harvest time: October
Winemaking consultant: Riccardo Cotarella
First vintage of this wine: 1968
Number bottles produced of this wine: 80,000
Fermentation
Fermentation container: Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation (days): 15-20
Fermentation temperature (°F): 77
Maceration technique: Punch downs
Length of maceration (days): 30
Malolactic fermentation: Yes
Aging
Aging container: Stainless steel tanks and barriques
Size of aging container: Barriques: 228 L
Cooperage: French oak: Allier and Nevers
Length of aging before bottling: 18 months
Length of bottle aging: 6 months
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH level: 3.6
Residual sugar (grams/liter): 2.0
Acidity (grams/liter): 5.4
Dry extract (grams/liter): 33.1

Reviews

Gambero Rosso - August 2003
Special Regional Awards
"One of the best wines of 2003...full, complex aromas of berries and cherries with spicy, balsamic notes from the wood; marked tones of rhubarb. Powerful opening in the mouth, but balanced and soft; followed by a dense tannic texture, noteworthy structure and complexity..."


Gambero Rosso - Number 28, 2001
Aglianico - King of the South
"...has a beautiful dark ruby color, and an intense and sweet nose with ripe cherry aromas. The mouth is fresh, well-balanced and structured. The tannins are fine and fat, with well-judged hints of wood. Good length, supported by intense primary notes of fruit."