Il Falcone is one of Apulia's most prestigious red wines. Its name and its quality are considered by Rivera as homage to the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, who loved to hunt with il falcone, the falcon, in the countryside around his Castel del Monte.

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

GRAPE VARIETIES
70% Nero di Troia, 30% Montepulciano.

VINEYARDS
Old vineyards planted at an altitude of 200 metres in deep tufaceous soils, trained to spurred cordon with a vine density of 4,800 per hectare and yields kept to 90-100 q/h.

VINIFICATION
The grapes are picked between mid-October and the first week of November. The must is given a 12-14 day maceration in stainless steel, with frequent pumpovers, to maximize aroma and colour extraction and, at the same time, soften tannins.

MATURATION
The wine matures for 12-14 months in French oak barrels of varying ages to gain complexity and balance without becoming oaky. A further year in glass allows its varietal characteristics to fully develop.

TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol 13.5%; total acidity 5.40 g/l; pH 3.45; residual sugar 1.8 g/l; total S0₂ 75 mg/l.

TASTING NOTES
Dense garnet red in hue; complex nose offering ripe fruit, leather, tobacco leaf, and spice; dry and austere but very generous in the mouth, displaying an absolutely magisterial structure and a lingering, well-balanced finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
The weight and elegance of this wine makes it the perfect companion to fine roasts, large game, meats in hearty sauces, and aged cheeses. Serve at cool room temperature after allowing to breathe.

STORING
Stored correctly, it will cellar well for more than 20 years.