Donnachiara 2017 Taurasi DOCG
Item Number: 26 30 277 17
Donnachiara 2017 Taurasi DOCG
Celebrated Southern Italian Red
Quick Taste
- 91 Points
- Famous Enologist Ricardo Coltarella
- Aged in French oak
- "rich range of plumped cherry, black licorice, bay leaf and espresso notes"
- "silky and polished on the palate"
About Donnachiara 2017 Taurasi DOCG
Taurasi is one of Italy's great wines and yet it is still undiscovered by many wine lovers. Only a handful of wineries produce this high altitude red, and Donnachiara is one of the newest. Profiled in Wine Enthusiast Magazine as a Rising Star, the vineyards are family owned and have been for five generations but the brand new, very modern winery was just established in 2005.
Aglianico vineyards slope down the steep hillsides in this mountainous region of Southern Italy. Campania, where Taurasi is located is drenched in sunlight but the high altitude tempers the climate and extends the growing season, allowing the grapes to develop ideal balance of sugars, acids and tannins as well as take on complex flavors.
Celebrated Eonologist Ricardo Coltarella is in charge of the process. The wine must be aged for three years before release by DOC law and Donnachiara ages this 100% Aglianico Taurasi in French oak barriques for 12 months adding layers of flavor and dimension. It shows delightful dark berry fruit and mineral richness that's very appealing even at this early stage, as Taurasi typically ages for decades. Taurasi is never inexpensive but perhaps the most remarkable thing about this wine is that it tastes like it should cost twice as much. It offers an amazing value for a wine of this quality.
Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "An elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, with supple tannins framing the rich range of plumped cherry, black licorice, bay leaf and espresso notes. Fresh and well-knit, offers a tang of minerality on the chewy finish. Drink now through 2027."
Vinous scored this 90 points saying "The 2017 Taurasi is dark and moody in the glass, with masses of ripe cherries and plums complemented by sweet herbal tones and hints of clove. It’s silky and polished on the palate, with a wave of black fruits encased in a web of minerals and spice that seem to slowly unfurl toward the close. This dramatic display is followed up by a youthfully structured finale, with wild berries and violet florals lingering long. There’s some beautiful Aglianico fruit hiding beneath the oak used on this wine; however, unfortunately, I don't see it ever coming to the fore. That said, there is still a good amount of pleasure to be found here for fans of the style."
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.0%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country Italy
- Region Campania
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