The 2005 Vigna Piancastelli (70% Pallagrello Nero, 30% Casavecchia) is made in a late-harvest style where a portion of the grapes are allowed to dry slightly on the vine prior to being harvested. The wine is then aged in new French oak barrels for 12 months prior to being bottled. To be sure, style speaks more eloquently than varietal character in this sumptuous, extroverted offering, but it is impossible not to be seduced by the wine's sheer personality and complexity. The sweetness here works nicely to balance the wine's tannic backbone, as notes of cinnamon, spices and minerals linger on the long finish. This is a wine to keep an eye on. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
Proprietor Peppe Mancini co-founded the Vestini Campagnano winery, but left in 2003 to pursue his own project, Terra del Principe. Mancini is largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in three of Campania's indigenous varieties; Pallagrello Bianco, Pallagrello Nero and Casavecchia, ancient grapes that were once prized by prior generations but were allowed to lapse into obscurity. Mancini's first career was the law, but he and his wife Manuela Piancastelli, a respected local journalist, seem to have found their true calling in these hillside vineyards in the province of Caserta. Terra del Principe works with roughly eleven hectares of vineyards and consulting oenologist Luigi Moio oversees winemaking. Terre del Principe is a young property, but these new releases are extremely promising. I highly encourage readers to seek these beautiful wines out.
Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
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