Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Irpinia Campi Taurasini Santo Stefano 2020

Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Irpinia Campi Taurasini Santo Stefano 2020 is a characterful red wine from the hills of Campania, crafted from estate-grown Aglianico. It captures the soul of Irpinia with a balance of aromatic complexity, structure and freshness that makes it both engaging now and promising for short- to medium-term cellaring. Sitting between an everyday red and a full Taurasi in intensity, it offers a refined expression of southern Italy’s noble grape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Santo Stefano 2020 typically shows a deep ruby core with purple reflections, hinting at its youthful energy and concentration. The nose is layered and expressive, with dark cherry and plum at the forefront, supported by notes of wild berries, violet, dried herbs and subtle spice, often joined by hints of licorice, tobacco and a gentle mineral edge. On the palate, this is a structured yet approachable Aglianico: medium to full-bodied with vibrant acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins. Flavors of black cherry, redcurrant and blackberry are intertwined with savory hints of leather, earth and sweet spice, leading into a long, persistent finish with a distinctly volcanic, mineral underpinning. While already enjoyable with food, the 2020 vintage should continue to evolve nicely over the next 5–7 years, allowing the tannins to soften further and the aromatic complexity to deepen.

Production
Santo Stefano is produced from Aglianico grapes grown in the estate vineyards of Tenuta Cavalier Pepe in the Irpinia area of Campania, a terroir marked by altitude, cooling mountain breezes and volcanic, calcareous soils. These conditions help preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes, balancing the natural power of Aglianico. Harvest is typically carried out by hand to ensure careful selection of bunches at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation to extract color, aroma and tannin while maintaining freshness, followed by maturation (often partly in wood and partly in tank) to refine structure and highlight the grape’s varietal character without overwhelming it with oak.

Food & Serving
This Irpinia Campi Taurasini is a natural partner for hearty, flavorful dishes such as grilled or roast lamb, braised beef, game, rich meat ragù, and traditional Neapolitan or Irpinian cuisine like salsiccia with lentils, slow-cooked tomato sauces and aged pecorino or caciocavallo cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to let the aromas open gradually. A brief decant of 30–60 minutes can help soften the tannins and release the wine’s full aromatic spectrum, especially in its youth.

Producer
Tenuta Cavalier Pepe is a respected family estate in the heart of Irpinia, Campania, dedicated to showcasing the character of native grape varieties such as Aglianico, Fiano and Greco. With vineyards planted on hillside and mountainous terrain influenced by volcanic soils and a cooler-than-expected southern climate, the winery has become a reference point for modern, quality-focused wines from the region. Combining careful vineyard management with precise, contemporary winemaking, Tenuta Cavalier Pepe has contributed significantly to raising the profile of Irpinia’s DOC and DOCG appellations, producing wines that are both authentically local and internationally appreciated.