2013 Scuotto Taurasi DOCG

The Taurasi appellation in Campania is the most prestigious appellation in southern Italy. Mt. Etna is certainly catching up, but Taurasi certainly paved the way for high end southern Italian juice. The wine is made from the Aglianico grape. Native to Campania and the region of Basilicata, Aglianico is an ancient variety, notoriously tannic and needing age. They are durable wines, lasting for upwards of 25 years.

Located in Lapio, Avellino, the heart of the Fiano di Avellino appellation and the birthplace of the Fiano grape, Tenuta Scuotto was founded in 2009 by Eduardo Scuotto and his son Adolfo. All wines are spontaneously fermented and bottled with low sulfur. In the vineyards, they practice organic farming and Integrated Pest Management, which involves a close monitoring of insect life cycles, plants that serve as natural pest repellents, and interfering with the pests’ reproductive cycle via sexual confusion. 

This little gem came into my hands due to an importer connection and it’s the perfect Holiday Wine! It’s fancy, it’s different, and it pairs well with red meat dishes, cheeses, and mushroom (truffle?) focused dishes.