and more:
• The Mythical Tears of Christ
• Falanghina: Wine of Poets!
• Extra: IWM's Eye On Italy

Campania's Historic Step Back...
The South will rise! Our friend, Daniel Thomases of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, proclaimed it in his "Rebirth of Campania" article that graced the cover of last year’s IWM Newsletter. This once noble land flourished in the time of the Romans only to suffer a fate of “vino da tavola” before being awakened in 1968 with Mastroberardino's critically acclaimed Taurasi. But more importantly, and to Daniel's point, the focus of the region is not the collectible Taurasi or the magical wine of Montevetrano, but rather the resurrection of many antique varietals. Thanks to producers like Villa Carafa, we can now enjoy these little-known, forgotten treasures.

The home of Villa Carafa is in Caserta, a province that has recently emerged into the public eye with its outstanding volcanic soils and indigenous varietals. It is here that the Caputo brothers drive the estate’s artistry with the guidance Italy’s dynamo enologist, Lorenzo Landi. With additional vineyards scattered throughout Campania, this wine house truly has some outstanding offerings.

Read on below to learn about these ancient wines and the folklore that accompanies them. To taste a piece of this history, contact our Portfolio Managers at 212.473.2323.

Click to read Daniel Thomases' Rebirth of Campania!

The Nebbiolo & Barolo of the South
Known as the “Nebbiolo of the South,” the centuries old Aglianico grape derives its name from Ellenico, a clue that the Greeks brought the powerful grape into Italy as early as 700 B.C.. Of all the lesser known varietals that hide in the nooks-and-crannies of the Boot, Aglianico is the most promising. In regions like Taurasi, its high elevation creates a late ripening grape filled with flavor. Enjoy these two wines made from the Aglianico grape under the artistic hands of Villa Carafa.

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Villa Carafa 2001 Aglianico Sannio $14.85

Sannio is the viticultural area in the Caserta region of Campania with the largest acreage dedicated to Aglianico. It is here that the wine, fermented under the strict guidelines of enologist Lorenzo Landi, that the ultimate expression of this powerful grape is best illustrated.

Intense colors of purple and ink fill the glass releasing aromas of spicy fruit. On the palate the fruit opens further into notes of soft plum, crushed blackberry and black pepper which are held in check through ample tannin and acidity.

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Villa Carafa 1999 Taurasi $35.53

It is here in the Taurasi DOCG appellation that the brawny Aglianico bares its nobility and aggressive tannic bite. Often praised as the “Barolo of the South,” the Taurasi production discipline requires the Aglianico grape to endure one year of barrique-aging and another three years in the bottle to tame this bold wine.

Verging on opaqueness, this hefty black-flecked ruby body requires some breathing. Black and red plums mix with damp earth, pepper, and leather to create a multi-tiered discovery zone on both the nose and palate. The unusual flavors are balanced by considerable tannin and acidity, which will keep you going back for more.

Click here to reserve your allocation of Aglianico and Taurasi!

The Explosive Casavecchia ("old house")
At the turn of the 20th century, it is said that a massive grandfather vine, with a trunk measuring a yard in diameter, remained nestled at the foot of an old stone farmhouse. Almost as a symbolic figure of strength, the vine stood tall overriding the disease and phylloxera that plagued “Oenotria” (wine land). If not for this chance discovery, the Casavecchia vine would have remained a memory with those that have passed long ago. With support from Luigi Veronelli (Italy’s leading food and wine critic), this wine has since received much attention for its distinctive flavors and full bodied complexity.

Villa Carafa 2001 Casavecchia $19.85

The splendidly black core is matched equally in density and texture. Hints of stewed black fruit and meat greet the nose, while notes of earth dominate the palate with blackberry and tangy raspberry filling in the background. Monstrous, yet bright with extraordinary acidity, the gripping tannins brace the gums for a lingering finish!

Click here to reserve your allocation of Casavecchia!

Lacryma Christi - The Mythical Tears
Perhaps the most mythical of all wine folklore is that of "Christ's tears," or Lacryma Christi. The three grapes varietals that make up this wine, Aglianico, Sciascinoso, and Piedirosso, all come from the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

According to Italian legend, when Lucifer was cast from Paradise, he managed to take a piece of heaven with him. As the fallen angel descended, the sacred piece of Paradise dropped into in the Gulf of Naples. The Lord wept and his tears fell upon the earth between Vesuvius and Sorrento, and thus life was given to the vines. A similar local legend attributes the vineyard-producing tears not to Christ but to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine.

Villa Carafa 2001 Lacryma Christi $19.85

Cherries and ripe plum fill the nose, while hints of spice and clove round out the palate with character for this food friendly, everyday wine.

Click to reserve your allocation of Lacryma Christi!

Falanghina: Wine of Roman Poets
Perhaps overshadowed by the newly approved DOCG status of Campania's other two great white wines, Greco di Tufo and Fiano, quality Falanghina is now showing it's true colors, as it once did long ago.

As a component of the historically famous Falerno wine, this grape was once praised by the poets of classical Rome, as well as gracing the tables of emperors and other dignitary. At the time of the great Roman wars, generals were said to have supplied this golden and mystical juice to their conquering troops. Today, producers like Villa Carafa are bringing back its greatness.

Villa Carafa 2002 Falanghina $13.86

Medium gold in the glass, the nose is brillantly vibrant with notes of pear, lemon, and honey. On the palate, the flavors continue to evolve and are complimented by a touch of nuttiness on the finish. Refreshingly clean, this is a healthy medium-full bodied white wine.

Click here to reserve your allocation of Falanghina!

Extra: IWM's Eye On Italy
As the leading purveyor of fine Italian wine, IWM is again breaking new ground with our service offerings. We are pleased to announce the launch of IWMs' I-News, daily wine news straight from the Boot.

Through Sergio's long established relationships with artisanal winemakers, producers, Consorzios, and the Italian media, IWM is excited to bring you this exclusive new feature. Read the latest vintage reports, grape discoveries, partnerships, trends and more.

Add IWM News to your browser favorites and check our website daily to get your new dose of Italian Wine News.

Click to get your dose of Italian Wine News!