2015 Pallagrello Nero

A discovery that I will always treasure from my tasting of Campania wines, was the better understanding of the Casa Vecchia and Pallagrello (both white and black) varietals. This moment happened courtesy of Vestini Campagnano, who in the early nineties began research into a number of nearly-forgotten grape varieties in Campania. Along with one of the region’s most respected oenologists, Prof. Luigi Moio, their research into clones and the planting of their vineyards in 2000 has paved the way for a resurgence of these grapes, which we can all benefit from. The fact is, Pallagrello’s history can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans, having been highly regarded. The story behind Casa Vecchia is not so easy, it was named for the source of its discovery, as mysterious vine found growing around the “old house”, the only one to have survived phylloxera, from a forgotten vineyard. Both are especially dark, black-fruited, and powerful, but with rounded tannins and long, dramatic finishes. While both expressions see some time in new barrique, they are wonderfully harmonious. That said, I would love to experience these varieties in a fresher style one day. The entire portfolio of Vestini Campagnano is focused on these varieties with a little Aglianico and Asprinio in the mix, making it one of the most unique and highly enjoyable in the region. They are seriously worth checking out.