Il Sigillo 2013 – Cantine del Notaio

Credits: © Cantine del Notaio

Cantine del Notaio, in the green heart of , has dedicated its commitment and research to exploring all the enological potential of which, in the , finds its best expression for a happy combination of temperatures (with strong summer temperature ranges and very high temperatures in summer), rainfall (absent in summer) and soil due to the presence of volcanic tuff that “suckles the vines”). The company has about 40 hectares divided into particularly suitable areas (so-called prime zones) of 5 municipalities of the Vulture (, , , and ). The aging conditions of the wines in ancient tuff caves of the 1600s, which belonged to the Franciscan Fathers, are extraordinary and spread over about 1,500 square meters of underground spaces, guaranteeing a very high humidity, constant throughout the year. The company, from the scientific study of the vine and a recovery of ancient traditions (interpreted in a more modern key), produces 16 different wines of which 14 are based on Aglianico del Vulture and the others with vines such as Moscato, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Fiano and Sauvignon. The differentiation of the wines is based on a different harvesting period (from the end of August to the end of November) which, according to the different degree of phenolic ripeness, allows a specific enological interpretation to enhance the characteristics of the fruit. The names of the wines all refer to the notarial activity: The Act (L’Atto); The Repertoire (Il Repertorio), The Signature (La Firma), The Seal (Il Sigillo) and The Legacy (Il Lascito) are the reds. The Scripture (La Scrittura) is the ros é wine, while Il Rogito is the rosé wine; The Preliminary (Preliminare), The (Raccolta) and The Parcel (Parcella)are whites; The Passage (Il Passaggio) is the Charmat method sparkling wine, while La Stipula Bianca Brut and La Stipula Rosé are the vintage sparkling wines of the classic method; The Protesto is the sparkling red wine; La Postilla is the sweet sparkling wine of Moscato and L’Autentica is the passito wine of Moscato and Malvasia.

Owner: Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti Oenological management: Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti Agronomic management: Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti Viticulture: conventional Vineyard hectares: 40 Bottles produced: 450,000 Direct sales: yes Visits to the company: yes EVOO production: yes Foundation year: 1998

Wine: Il Sigillo Alcoholic strength: 13% vol. Vintage: 2013. Classification: D.O.C. Basilicata. Grapes: 100% Aglianico del Vulture. Harvest: manual in boxes in the last ten days of November / first week of December when the fruit is overripe or withering due to the cold. It is a modern interpretation of a style of Aglianico produced in the past in the area and which recalls a sort of Amarone produced with only Aglianico grapes. Vinification: maceration of about 30 days being able to extract as much as possible having a complete and abundant ripening of the tannins. Aging: in natural volcanic tuff caves, in French barrels or tonneaux, for a period of at least 24 months and another 24 in the bottle. Serving temperature: 18° C.

© Ph. Piero Pardini Sommelier

Visual exam Clarity: Crystal-Clear Color: garnet red Consistency: consistent Observations: intense with orange hues.

Olfactory examination Intensity: intense Complexity: complex Quality: fine Description: floral, fruity, spicy, toasty and eterea. Remarks: the sample opens with floral notes reminiscent of a potpourri of slightly withered purple flowers, followed by hints of ripe dark berry fruits tending to jam, including mulberry and plum and cassis that fades into crème de cassis, spices sweets such as allspice and ground cinnamon enrich the bouquet, elegant roasts pamper the palate with notes of caramel and black coffee, followed by light ethereal nuances of cinchona, undergrowth and truffle finishes.

Taste – olfactory examination Sugars: dry Alcohols: warm Polyalcohols: smooth Acids: moderately fresh Tannins: tannic Minerality: mineral Structure: robust Balance: balanced Intensity: intense Length: very long Quality: good Remarks:

Final remarks State of Evolutions: mature Harmony: harmonious Observations: elegant and enveloping bouquet, perfect balance between hard and soft parts with a tannin that massages the palate, long persistence, an excellent wine.

Rating: From 85 to 90 points

Pairing: agnolotti with pigeon with black truffle.

Cantine del Notaio società agricola a r. l. Via Roma, 159 85028 Rionero in Vulture (PZ) Phone +39 0972 723689 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cantinedelnotaio.com