Name of Wine: Rasott 2006

Producer: Boccella

Summary: Fine example of an approachable mountain Aglianico without the need for a wait. Will develop for several more years. So well-balanced that it never seems hot even though the alcohol level is fairly high

Alcohol: 14.5%

Location/appellation: Castelfranci (AV) / Aglianico di Taurasi

Grape varieties: 100% Aglianico

Exposure: Southwest

Altitude: 600 metres/1800 feet above sea level

Soil: Clay and limestone marl with rich humus

Vineyard Management & Training: Vines 15 years old. Guyot and cordone speronato (both épalier styles). Yield: 60 quintales per hectare

Vinification: Hand-harvested. Traditional destemming, maceration for 15 days, hand pressing, natural-cold stabilizing, no fining or filtering. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts. Aged in oak up to 6 months and aged in bottle at least 12 months before release. Bottled in October 2007, released January 2009.

Smells & Tastes: Complex set of aromas and flavors - Cloves, black pepper, earthiness, a long finish of black cherries - a clean, pure finish with no hint of off tastes or scents. If you're skeptical about the flavors and especially the perfume of "organic" wine, this will change your mind