Villa Diamante Taurasi Riserva "Ad Ultimum" '09

Aglianico is perhaps one of the five most important grape varieties in Italy. It is often called the “Nebbiolo of the South” for its full-bodied, youthful tannins, long aging capabilities, and incredibly earthy aromas once given the proper aging. Along with old Barolo and Barbaresco, great Aglianico can have that truffle perfume once it ages.

Antoine Gaita was a huge fan of Agliancio. While Montefredane is white wine country, he began a project to produce a red wine from the Taurasi appellation each year. The 2009 vintage, “Ad Ultimum,” is the last Taurasi he ever produced. 

The old vines (over 75 years old) came from Montemarano, in Irpinia. If you are a Taurasi nerd, you will recognize this area for producing some of the very best Aglianico in Campania. In fact, some of the great Aglianico Riserva wines of the 1960s, including the ones from Mastroberardino, that costs hundreds of dollars now, came from this area.

Like most great Taurasi wines, this spent extended time on its skin during its long postfermentation maceration. The wine was aged in both tonneaux and third-use barriques, and bottled after a decade! Just 2,600 bottles produced.

The nose I could just sit and smell forever. Gorgeous aromas of dark cherry, clove, mineral, and spice. Elegant and fresh, with medium weight and tannins and a long finish. 

This is a wine that you can drink now alongside roasted lamb or grilled steak. Believe it or not, this is still young, and it will age for decades to come.