With this Castel del Monte Riserva DOCG Augustale, CRIFO brings the best of Apulian winemaking tradition to our cellars and tables. Produced with pure Nero di Troia grapes, a historical vine and symbol of the territory, this important red wine is born on the limestone hills of the Alta Murgia, east of Ruvo di Puglia. An area renowned for its vocation for high quality viticulture. The vines, trained by spurred cordon with a density of 4,000 vines per hectare, are over 30 years old. So they produce few bunches... but of very high quality. After manual harvesting, the grapes are immediately taken to the cellar for meticulous selection of the bunches. Pre-fermentation maceration at a low temperature enhances the primary aromas of the vine and is followed by alcoholic fermentation in steel, which lasts between 10 and 15 days. This is followed by soft pressing and malolactic fermentation, also carried out in steel, to soften the wine and reduce its acidity. The subsequent ageing is a long and complex process. For 12 months, the wine rests in wood, divided between second-passage barriques and large 80-hectolitre barrels. This passage enriches it with woody notes, increasing its complexity and pleasantness. Finally, a further 6 months of bottle ageing is foreseen to allow the wine to reach a perfect balance before being marketed. Deep ruby red, almost impenetrable, the colour anticipates its complexity. The nose reveals a rich and varied bouquet, with notes of red roses, potpourri and fruit under spirits mingling harmoniously with spicy hints of cloves, cinnamon and cinchona, and balsamic tones of menthol and aromatic tobacco. In the mouth it is warm and structured, with velvety tannins and a pleasant freshness to balance it all. The finish is long and persistent, with toasty and balsamic notes that invite you to take another sip. As far as food pairings are concerned, this Castel del Monte Riserva is at its best with rich, structured dishes typical of Apulian tradition. Perfect with cavatelli with lamb ragout, braciole al sugo and baked sausage with cherry tomatoes.