Taurasi Riserva Ad Ultimum Villa Diamante 2009

The Taurasi Riserva 'Ad Ultimum' produced by the Campania-based Villa Diamante represents aprofoundly spicy interpretation of the appellation, released more than 10 years after the harvest despite the fact that the regulations for Taurasi Riserva require a minimum of four years of ageing. Specifically, the Aglianico grapes destined for this label come from the territory of Castelfranci, an Irpinia municipality located at the south-eastern end of the Taurasi appellation.

'Ad Ultimum' Villa Diamante Taurasi Riserva is made from pure Aglianico grapes from a 75-year-old vineyard located in the commune of Castelfranci, in the province of Avellino. The vines rest on clayey soils of volcanic nature located at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level. Harvesting is done by hand and the grapes are then transferred to the cellar, where alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks in contact with the skins, with a further prolonged post-fermentation maceration. At this point, the wine is placed to age for 2 years in second-passage oak tonneaux and third-passage barriques. This is followed by a long resting period of about 10 years in steel before the definite bottling, made in very limited quantities.

To the eye, the Taurasi 'Ad Ultimum' Riserva exhibits an intense ruby-red mantle that shows no sign of age. The complex olfactory panorama is described by vivid hints of berries, plums and cherries that meet floral nuances and deep spicy and roasted hints reminiscent of tobacco, coffee and cocoa. Full and rounded impact on the palate, endowed with a robust structure, tempered by a luscious freshness and a mature, well-integrated tannic texture. The very long finish insists on sensations of dark fruits and spices.