Campania is an ancient land where
the culture and the history of the classical world have made an enduring and
fascinating impact. Because so many traces of the past have survived in this
region, it is easy to see how important grape growing and winemaking have
always been. Those roles were celebrated in Latin literature and art. For the
attentive observer, the opportunity to compare ancient and new and original
flavors represents a fascinating challenge.
In this extraordinary context, the Irpinia zone, situated on the slopes of the
Apennines, benefits from geographic and climatic conditions that are highly
favorable for the production of premium wines. In this area, hot and humid air
currents from the southwest meet and combine with cold-damp breezes from the
northeast. Soils and altitudes are also conducive to quality winemaking in a
landscape of incomparable beauty.
It is in the countryside of Avellino province, in Irpinia that Taurasi is
produced. The wine takes its name from a community whose territory, along with
those of 16 other neighboring production zone as officially recognized. It is a
wine of extremely ancient origin, which was being aged at least as far back as
the 18th century as indicated in document that were discoveres in some recently
restored wineries. The quality of the wine has elicited numerous favorable
comments. Poet Giosue Carducci described it as a "joyful wine," while
oenologist Marescalchi observed that it was "the eldest brother of Barolo
and Barbeta.
The relaunching of agriculture in the postwar years and the revival of
production in the vinicultural sector, with emphasis upon promotion of native
varieties, gave new life and vigor to Taurasi. The result has been the
production of a great wine, while safeguarding a great cultural heritage.
Without any doubt, Taurasi is the most famous wine of the Irpinia zone. It is
the fruit of a generous and ancient vine, the Aglianico which was known to the
classical world as Vitis Hellenica. The variety was imported by the Greeks
before the foundation of Rome and diffused thronghout the province of Avellino
and other zones of southern Italy. The Avellino area represents a perfect
habitat for this variety so that the wine made from its grapes is of excellent
quality. Accordi ng to the producti on code , however, other red grapes of
nonaromatic varieties authorized and recommended for Avellino province can be
used up to a maximum of 15 per cent.
Because of the leading place Taurasi had secured in the ranks of premium
Italian wines, the wine received its Denominazione di Origine Controllata
recognition in May 1970. It was declared a DOCG wine in March 1993.
In the vineyards reserved to the production of the wine, the required planting
densities and training systems are those traditionally used in the zone. The
maximum production of grapes per hectare must not exceed 100 quintals (4.45
tons an acre), while the yield of wine from grapes must not be greater than
70%.
A wine with special and distinctive characteristics, Taurasi when aged acquires
that rare harmony of components that distinguishes the most prestigious wines.
To attain that balance, Taurasi must be subjected to a period of aging,
required by the regulations , of three year, of which at least one must be
spent in wood. The requirement for the Riserva is four years, of which at least
18 months in cask.
When it is released for consumption, Taurasi must have the following
characteristics: an intense ruby-red color tending to garnet with orange
reflections resulting from aging; a pleasant, characteristic and ethereal odor
and a full, harmonious and equilibrated flavor with a persistent aftertaste.
The minimum alcohol level is set at 12 degrees or 12.5 for the Riserva.
The wine is noted for its quality, not for the quantity produced. Annual
production of Taurasi averages about 1,700 hectoliters (44,737 U.S. gallons).
The grapes are grown in clayey solls on hills of moderate height.
A great red wine on the national level, it complements the finest dishes of the
local tradition, as well as Italian cuisine in general. It accompanies roasted
red meats, game , dishes in which herbs and trumes are used and aged cheeses.
It should be served at room temperature (18-20 degrees C. or 64-68° F.) and the
bottle should be opened several hours beforehand.
Through technological innovation and research applied in both the vineyard and
winery by farsighted producers and entrepreneurs, Taurasi DOCG continues to
gain in stature, constantly reinforcing its position on domestic and foreign
markets. The wine makes a vital contributi on to the agricultural sector in its
zone of origin, complementing the output of other products of fine quality,
such as tomatoes, both fresh and processed, preserved meats, milk products -a
category that includes a wide range of splendid cheeses like the aged and
piquant pecorino and caciocavallo- mushrooms, truffles and confectionery
specialties. Among the latter, the cupāto should be mentioned. It is a torrone
based on sugar, honey and almonds or toasted hazelnuts.
Taurasi
Campania (sito consultato: www.alfanet.it)