Taurasi Tenute di Altavilla DOCG Francesco Paolo Avallone founded Villa Matilde in the early 1960s. A lawyer by profession, his passionate interest in the classics led him to investigate a 3,000-year-old wine favored by ancient Roman poets and emperors: the “immortal Falerno." His decade-long quest led to the development of prime clones of Aglianico, Piedirosso and Falanghina. Today, twenty original clones of the three varieties are trademarked by Villa Matilde, and Francesco Paolo’s son and daughter, Salvatore “Tani” and Maria Ida Avallone, continue their father’s legacy. Villa Matilde extends four properties, two within the Falerno del Massico DOC appellation (province of Caserta): and two in the Benevento and Avellino provinces. The Avallones have also reached an enviable goal: zero greenhouse gas emissions on all properties. Tenute di Altavilla extends 25 hectares (62 acres) in the province of Avellino, in the DOCG zones of Irpinia. The vineyards feature predominantly tuffaceous soil with a high percentage of clay, excellent exposure, beneficial diurnal temperature changes and steep slopes. 100% Aglianico, high altitudes and clay/tuff soils for an elegant wine with a rich structure and balanced tannins. Wine exported to: Canada, Australia, Singapore Most recent awards Winemaking and Aging Grape Varieties: 100% Aglianico Fermentation container: Stainless steel Length of alcoholic fermentation: 20 days Type of yeast: Select Fermentation temperature: 26 °C (77.8 °F) Maceration technique: Pumpovers and delestage Length of maceration: 20 days Malolactic fermentation: Yes Aging containers: Barrique and tonneaux Container size: 225L and 35hL Aging before bottling: 18 months Aging in bottle: 12 months Closure: Natural cork Vineyard Organic: No Vineyard name: Tenute di Altavilla Vineyard location: Montemarano and Paternopoli Soil composition: Clay and tuff Vine training: Guyot Altitude: 500-600 meters (1,640-1,969 feet) above sea level Vine density: 3,000 vines per hectare Yield: 3,000 liters per hectare Years planted: Various years from 1968-1985 Time of harvest: Late October First vintage of this wine: 2004 Tasting Notes and Food Pairings Tasting notes: Deep color, rich, complex bouquet with notes of licorice, brushwood, berries and violets. Lush structure and soft well-balanced tannins; austere and elegant. Serving temperature: Best served at 18-20 °C (64.4 - 68 °F). Aging potential: 15 years Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella 2021 Empson & Co S.p.A. - Copyright © All Rights Reserved..