Created in 1970, DOC Taurasi is the first appellation in Campania. It was promoted to DOCG in 1993.
The territory of the appellation lies to the east of the Partenio regional park in the province of Avellino in the Campania region of southern Italy. This land is an ode to Irpinia, the mountainous area of Italy where the Hirpins lived. It is a region where peaks and plateaus follow one another and lead to the historical sites of the Samnite wars of the 4th century BC.
The vineyard, perched at an altitude of 400 metres, covers more than 393 hectares. It is planted mainly with Aglianico, a black grape variety that accounts for more than 85% of the DOCG Taurasi red wine blend. The diverse soils in these areas are composed of limestone and marl-limestone. They can also be volcanic, reflecting the presence of Vesuvius some 50km away.
Nicknamed "the Barolos of Campania," these red wines must respect strict vinification criteria and ageing periods. Three years of ageing, including 12 months in barrels, are required for a Taurasi, while a Taurasi Riserva will be aged for a minimum of four years before being released on the market, including 18 months in oak barrels.
The red wines of the Taurasi DOCG have a powerful character with fruity notes that highlight the burnt organic aromas of the ageing process. These wines offer a good concentration of substance on the palate while maintaining a great elegance. Fruity and powerful in their youth, the red wines of the Taurasi appellation have superb ageing potential.
