The 2005 Caracci Falerno is made from 100+ year-old Falanghina vines and aged in French oak. This white offers rich, ripe fruit with earth and smoke overtones that develop in the glass, with outstanding persistence and a long, clean finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2010. Proprietors Tani and Maria Ida Avallone run this estate located outside Naples, in the province of Caserta, where the history of viticulture spans several centuries. The mineral-rich soils yield wines of uncommon complexity and elegance. The estate works with a selection of ancient clones of the area’s indigenous varieties that were re-discovered several decades ago and subsequently re-planted throughout the vineyards. Riccardo Cotarella is the consulting oenologist. Unlike many estates in the region, Villa Matilde excels with both reds and whites. Notes on some of Villa Matilde’s value-priced wines can be found in my Best Buys from Italy article available at www.erobertparker.com. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900