Castel del Monte DOC Riserva, Il Cappellaccio belongs to the Cru of the Rivera winery. 100% Aglianico, it expresses the full potential of this vine, grown on the limestone hills of the Castel del Monte area. The "cappellaccio", in fact, is the slang name of the thick layer of limestone crust that is found in the subsoil of the area of origin, and that must be literally split in order to plant the new vineyards. A tiring and ancient job that, however, pays off when you taste the wines produced from the grapes grown on this unique terroir. The structure of Il Cappellaccio is important but skilfully softened thanks to an aging in French oak for about 12 months. Garnet red, this wine has an intense bouquet typical for the variety, with notes of ripe red fruit, leather and spices. In the mouth it is warm and full. A wine of great structure, it has a long finish with a balanced tannic finish. It goes well with very tasty red meat dishes, or mature cheeses. Good today, it is a wine that is in no hurry to be uncorked. Properly stored in a cool, damp and dark cellar, it can easily mature for another 5 or 6 years without running the risk of losing energy.
There was a time when Puglia was considered Italy's reservoir of mediocre wines. Mostly powerful and alcoholic reds, often used to give a helping hand to the delicate wines of northern Italy, which were more drained in terms of colour and alcohol. Once upon a time, indeed. Because today Puglia can boast of an important level of quality in its wines, capable of competing on equal terms on the main markets throughout the world. One of the protagonists of this Apulian 'Renaissance' is undoubtedly the Rivera winery. Founded at the end of the 1940s, for many experts and enthusiasts it is the very symbol of this rebirth. As a family business, it has always been committed to promoting its territory. Thanks to a successful "quality project" that starts with the careful management of the 75 hectares of vineyards, according to sustainable farming protocols. Modern, espalier-trained vineyards are cultivated with the main native varieties of the area, such as Bombino Bianco, Bombino Nero, Nero di Troia, Fiano, Aglianico and Moscato Reale. But also international, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon.
Apulia 
