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In north central Campania, a land of great wines since Roman
times, two lawyers, Giuseppe Mancini and Alberto Barletta, have developed
their passion for indigenous, historical grapes with a concentration on
the Pallagrello and Casavecchia varieties. Augmented with the aid of esteemed
enology professor Luigi Moro, their enthusiasm has been awarded recognition
by both Luigi Veronelli and the Gambero Rosso, two of Italy’s foremost
wine publications.
The Vestini Campagnano project began in 1990. Much work has gone into developing a new wine cellar to bring out the best in these historically proven grapes. By 2000, the winery was producing 6,000 liters of wine divided between Pallagrello Bianco, Pallagrello Nero and Casavecchia, all classified Terre al Volturno IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).
2002 Pallagrello Bianco $36.90
Senza (without) oak influence, this is the wine to taste to understand Pallagrello
Bianco’s pure varietal character. Soft and supple in the mouth, the medium
body proudly sports clean flavors of ripe peach, dried citrus fruit, honeysuckle
and walnut oil. A modest vein of acidity pulls every element perfectly into
line.
2002 Pallagrello Bianco “Le Ortole” $48.00
This is the ultimate expression of the Pallagrello Bianco grape, full and exotic with 5 months barrique aging rounding-out the aromatics. This historic variety, grown in Campania for millennia, offers intricate layers that linger on the silky, round palate. This is a broad, sensuous white filled with exotic tropical fruits, a dab of vanilla and fresh-baked brioche. Medium bodied and structured with enough acidity to carry the entire range of flavors into a long finish.
2001 Casavecchia $66.90
The Casavecchia grape takes its name from the "old house," where the sole survivor
of the waves of nineteenth century grape disease was found. Experts today believe
it is the descendent of Trebulano, a grape lauded by Pliny in Roman times.
Rediscovered thirty years ago by Luigi Veronelli, this wine has since received
much attention for its distinctive flavors and full bodied complexity. Bold
in structure and focus, the tight nose broadens on the palate, suggesting limitless
layers of exploration. An explosive display of blackberries and strong spices.
2001 Pallagrello Nero $66.90
Surprise! This Pallagrello Nero is the biggest, most powerful wine we have tasted in recent times. The tannins alone provide quite a shock. Somehow, powerful blasts of fruit laden aromas and fully ripened fruit create an unexpected balance in a wine this immense. Even for the experienced palate, this wine reveals complexity and dynamism beyond expectation!
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