# Core (2018)

- **Producer:** Montevetrano
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Aglianico
- **Region:** Campania, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, black cherry, dark berries, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, cloves, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

Montevetrano 'Core' 2018 is a Campania Aglianico IGT, a 100% Aglianico wine from the Sannio area of Benevento, Campania. The 'Core' designation, meaning 'love' and 'essence' in Neapolitan dialect, was chosen for this wine released to mark Montevetrano's twenty-year anniversary. The estate, revived by Silvia Imparato and guided by winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, focuses on expressing the unique terroir of Campania. The vineyards are situated in an area characterized by volcanic soil, contributing to the wine's distinct territorial character.

## Interesting facts

- Named 'Core' from the Neapolitan dialect, meaning 'love' and 'essence'.
- Released to commemorate Montevetrano's 20th anniversary.
- Grapes grown in volcanic soil rich in tuff and ash.
- Ranked #64 in James Suckling's Top 100 Value Wines of 2021.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and fine tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. The dark fruit and spice notes in the wine can echo or contrast with savory herbs and earthy flavors in the dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Montevetrano 'Core' 2018 involves a prolonged maceration of the grape skins, followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for about 15 days. Malolactic fermentation is completed. The wine then undergoes aging for 10 months in new 225-liter barriques made from French oak sourced from Nevers, Allier, and Tronçais. A final refinement period of 4 months in the bottle precedes the wine's release. The typical alcohol by volume is 13.5%.