The wine is named for cappellaccio, or gossan, the hard layer about 30-40 cm down in tufaceous soils formed over the centuries by water erosion of limestone. Planting vineyards on such virgin soils required deep-ripping so that vine roots could penetrate it and reach water. Cappellaccio displays to the fullest the qualities of the aglianico variety and of its terroir.

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GROWING AREA
Commune of Andria, in the "Castel del Monte" D.O.C. area.

GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Aglianico.

VINEYARDS
Planted at an altitude of 220 metres in deep, tufaceous soils and trained to spurred cordon, with a density of 4,800 vines/hectare. Yields are kept at 90-100 q/h.

VINIFICATION
Grapes are picked in mid-October. The grapes macerate for 12-14 days in stainless steel, with frequent pumpovers to maximize aroma and colour extraction and, at the same time, to soften tannins.

MATURATION
The wine matures for 12 months in French oak barrels of varying ages to gain complexity and balance without becoming oaky. The wine is not cold stabilised before bottling. A further year in glass allows its varietal characteristics to fully develop.

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%; total acidity 5.70 g/l; pH 3.45; residual sugar 1.8 g/l; total S0₂ 75 mg/l.

TASTING NOTES
Deep garnet red in hue; rich, complex aromas, with marked varietal character, showing ripe red fruit, tanned leather, and spices; full-bodied with generous alcohol, firm structure complementing rich fruit, with lengthy, crisp-edged finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
First courses with red sauces, roast lamb and mutton, medium-hard and aged cheeses. Serve at 18°-20°C.

STORING
Stored correctly, Cappellaccio will continue to mature in the bottle for 7-8 years.