Nativ Rue 333 Taurasi 2018 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Aglianico from the DOCG Taurasi appellation in Campania. It is a recent, brand-new arrival at the LCBO that is available as a Destination Collection item which can be ordered online or picked up in-store at the Italy Destination Collection outlet in Woodbridge.

Like the excellent 2018 Nativ Bicento Irpinia Campi Taurasini I enjoyed last year, this red wine is also produced by Vini Nativ, a winery that was founded in 2008 on the slopes of the immaculate hills of Taurasi, in the heart of Irpinia, within the commune of Paternopoli, Province of Avellino, and region of Campania in southern Italy. Vini Nativ was established by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned Oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a Specialist in Food Science, and together they have quickly become recognized for producing wines of excellence resulting from important and deep experiences in their respective fields. Their aim is to produce typical wines of the territory using indigenous varieties such as Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and (like tonight's wine) Aglianico of Taurasi.

The grapes for each of their wines are grown across the estate's approximately 15 hectares of land. These precious vineyards are spread out between Paternopoli and Taurasi, on fertile, volcanic soils. The name "Nativ" was chosen to represent Native Productions - the origin of Irpinia viticulture and outlining the concept of "native to the place", while using grapes typical of the territory to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir. Each Nativ wine has a unique and unequivocal character, as it is produced through innovative winemaking methods, while respecting tradition, and always keeping the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered. The engine that drives the company is love and respect for the terroir and vine, and it is the realization of a profession, way of living, and doing business. Nativ has several ranges of wines in their portfolio, with this red wine part of their top-of-the-line Cru range.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Aglianico that was grown in the Taurasi DOCG in Irpinia, a sub-region of Campania. The grapes were grown on highly suitable, hilly soils that are mainly volcanic in nature, while the vines were trained using the Avellinese radial, trellis system with spurred cordon in new vineyards. After harvesting the grapes from late October to early November, the grapes were brought to the winery and macerated for about 20 days. It underwent alcoholic fermentation using both autochthonous (wild) yeast and selected yeast, and was refined in 225 L French oak barrels for 24 months in the modern, cutting-edge cellar.

The growing season during the 2018 vintage was quite problematic in Campania due to a cold winter, plentiful rain, and some hail in spring, while late summer heat helped speed up the ripening process. Many wines are unbalanced with low acidity, while the size of harvest was also very small. Let's see how this 2018 Taurasi from Campania is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV RUE 333 TAURASI 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#34403) (D) - $46.95
100% Aglianico. The intense, highly aromatic nose offers a lovely bouquet of ripe dark berry, black plum, blackberry, black cherry, dark spices, and mineral aromas. On the rich, concentrated, and medium-full to full-bodied palate it has ripe, sweet fruited flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and plum that surrounds a savoury core of dark mineral ash, savoury earth, and smoky oak notes. Lemony acids are crisp and juicy, while the approachable tannins have some pleasantly chalky, youthful grip. Savoury with mineral and smoky oak notes linger on the long, dry finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 8-10 years. Score: 92 pts

Other fine wines by Vini Nativ can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.