2017 Alois Aglianico 'Campole’ Campania IGT

Region: Caserta < Campania < Italy

Grape: Aglianico

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; mineral-rich Campanian Grey Tuff soils of volcanic origin; ferments in stainless steel and aged 4-6 months in neutral Botti, then an additional 4 months in the bottle; bottled with light filtration and low SO2; 13% ABV

Winemaker: Massimo Alois

My friend, the consummate gentleman and host Massimo Alois, makes this fresh, chillable red from Aglianico vineyards situated on rocky tufosoil (the product of a violent volcanic eruption that 10,000+ years ago) at his estate in the countryside of Caserta (30 min north of Naples).  This is mozzarella country.  And silk country (Caserta used to be the center of Europe’s silk trade, a place where riches and royals mingled - the city has one of the largest and most opulent palaces in all of Europe, a UNESCO site and once home to the Bourbon dynasty).  But we digress.  It is also a volcanic terroir that produces some pretty great wine, like this everyday-drinking Aglianico.  It’s a rustic grape that can get super chewy and tannic with frequent pump-overs or oak, but Massimo’s ‘Campole’ is fresh and pure, with dark plums, wild herbs, and brilliant acidity.  So perfect with all kinds of pasta (especially one with fresh ricotta or eggplant + mozzarella) and pizza. Give it a slight chill (30 minutes) before popping.