Perillo 2012 Taurasi

(100% Aglianico; organically farmed; fermented 35 days on the skins and then aged 2 years in 28 hL barrels, 3 years in stainless steel tank, 5 years in bottle) Shows the classic flavors of, red and black fruit, cedar/sandalwood/tobacco aromas and flavors, a savory beefy character, a fair amount of fine tannin (the comparison with Barolo in flavors, structure and age worthiness is inevitable); what differentiates this from other Taurasi is the exuberant fresh acidity, due presumably to the high altitude of the vineyards. Importer Notes

Michele Perillo comes from Castelfranci, in the south-east corner of the appellation, about half an hour away from the town of Taurasi. His first bottled vintage was 1999, before which he sold fruit to other wineries. He grows all of his own fruit, and he vinifies Taurasi, Taurasi Riserva and Coda di Volpe, all of which are expressive, distinctive, carefully made, great examples of their type.