Product Description:

"As often happens in the ancient heritage of wine appellations, the Migliozzi family has been growing their own vineyards for many generations. Viticulture and agriculture have been the main profession for the many families in this part of Italy. Most of the grapes were sold but just a small quantity of wine was produced for personal consumption. Mount Massico and the surrounding area (known as ager falernum by the ancient Romans) has been considered a “grand cru” for centuries. One of the leading Roman poets - Marcus Valerius Martialis (Martial) celebrated the red wines of this area as the most elegant of the empire, capable of ageing as long as 100 years. Giovanni’s vineyards lie on a gentle steep eastern slope of Mount Massico, about 80 meters above sea level, on deep, dark volcanic soils; predominantly sandy, characterized by a siliceous volcanic rock locally known as pozzolana. This type of soil and weather pattern of the area contributes to perfect phenolic ripening. The climate is typically southern Italian, with hot summers and mild winters. Giovanni crafts only one wine, named Rampaniuci, after the name of the hill. Rampaniuci is a blend of 90% Aglianico, 5% Primitivo and 5% Piedirosso. The grapes are harvested when phenolic ripening occurs; typically Primitivo in early September, Piedirosso; end of September and Aglianico during the second half of October. The grapes are fermented separately solely by native yeasts. After malolactic the varietals are blended together. Elevage takes place in one 25 Hl Slovenian oak vats and literally ten 750lt French oak tonneaux for about one year, followed by 6 month in stainless steel and 1 year in bottle. Rampaniuci is a superb Falerno del Massico, delivering notes of strawberries, redcurrants, lavender and liquorice root along with hints of sweet tobacco. On the palate, a wonderful texture, with lovely integrated tannins and refreshing juiciness." -Importer