Di Majo Norante Aglianico Contado Riserva 2020

Di Majo Norante Aglianico Contado Riserva 2020 is a powerful, characterful red from the lesser-known but increasingly exciting region of Molise in southern Italy. Made from 100% Aglianico, one of Italy’s noblest and most age-worthy grape varieties, it offers a serious, structured wine at a very compelling value. The grape itself was brought to southern Italy by the Phoenicians from Greece centuries before Christ, and from this ancient vine a wine is born that was once praised by Pope Paul III.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 Contado Riserva shows a deep, intense ruby red color with garnet reflections beginning to form at the rim, hinting at both concentration and aging potential. The nose is complex and layered, with aromas of dark cherries, black plum and blackberry interwoven with notes of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, leather and sweet baking spices, supported by hints of licorice, cocoa and a subtle smoky, mineral edge. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, firmly structured Aglianico with vibrant acidity and gripping yet polished tannins. Flavors of ripe black fruit, blood orange peel and wild berries unfold into savory nuances of earthy spice, cured meat and espresso. The oak is well-integrated, adding texture and a touch of vanilla and cedar without dominating the fruit. The finish is long, dry and persistent, with a lingering mineral and balsamic note that invites another sip. While already enjoyable with proper aeration, this wine has the structure to develop further complexity over the next 8–12 years, gaining truffle, leather and tertiary nuances with time in the bottle.

Production
The Contado Riserva is sourced from estate vineyards in Molise, where Aglianico is planted on well-exposed hillside sites with calcareous-clay and limestone-rich soils that naturally limit yields and enhance concentration. The Mediterranean climate, with warm days, cool nights and breezes from the Adriatic, allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal maturity, ensuring careful selection of healthy, ripe bunches. After a long maceration on the skins to extract color, tannin and aromatic complexity, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled tanks and then aged in oak (often a mix of large Slavonian casks and barriques) for an extended period to refine the tannins and build depth before an additional maturation in bottle prior to release.

Food & Serving
Aglianico Contado Riserva 2020 is a natural match for rich, savory dishes that can stand up to its structure and intensity. Think slow-braised lamb shank, ossobuco, grilled or roasted red meats, wild boar ragù, game birds, or hearty pastas with meat sauces and aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Caciocavallo. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes and rustic, herb-laden Mediterranean cuisine. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to let the tannins soften and the aromatic profile fully open.

Producer
Di Majo Norante is a historic family-owned estate in Molise, with viticultural roots dating back to the early 19th century and a modern winery established in the 1960s. Under the guidance of the Di Majo family and long-time collaboration with renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, the estate has become one of Molise’s reference producers, known for giving a strong, authentic voice to southern Italian grape varieties such as Aglianico. Their commitment to low yields, careful vineyard management and thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking has helped put Molise on the quality wine map. Di Majo Norante has earned consistent critical acclaim and international recognition for the remarkable quality-to-price ratio of their wines, with Contado Riserva standing out as one of their flagship expressions of Aglianico.

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