Nativ Bicento 2013 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely new wine that arrived as part of the October 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release that featured some illustrious Italian wines in its main theme.

It is produced by Nativ and was founded in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, in Paternopoli, Campania (the shin of Italy's boot), by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a specialist in food science, with the aim of producing excellent wines from grapes that are typical of the territory.

The name "Nativ" was chosen to represent the origin of the Viticulture of Irpina, through autochthonous production which outlines the concept of "origin of place", and is carried out through the production of wines from indigenous varietals, using vines that are known for their particular fertility in volcanic soils. The winery's precious vineyards span approximately 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasi.

"Bicento" is the name of this important red wine, which translated literally means “twice 100”. It is named as such because the grapes for this wine come from 200-year-old ungrafted vines that are grown on volcanic soils on the Taurasi hills, 500 metres above sea level. These vines are among the oldest in all of Europe!

Tasting Note:

NATIV BICENTO 2013 - DOC Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy (#575035) (XD) - $41.95
100% Aglianico aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Medium-high intensity aromatics are complex with spicy, blackberry, dark berry, leather, herbs, earth, and a touch of savoury funk. Some smoky mineral notes develop with air. It is full-bodied and concentrated with nicely balanced aroma replays, plus black pepper, fig, and floral nuances supported by fresh, bright acidity to keep things quite light on the palate. Firm, drying, mouth-puckering tannins have a dusty and chalky texture. The finish length is excellent with dark berry, black plum, licorice, and spice flavours. Lovely savoury-earthy character throughout. A pleasure now, but will be better in 5 years as tannins soften and integrate. An amazing wine to enjoy over the next 10-15 years. Buy 4 and enjoy one every 5 years. Score: 94 pts