The Facts
Producer: Casa di Baal
Region: Campania
Country: Italy
Grapes: Aglianico
Price: $24
In Brief
Fuller Body
Versatile
Wild Berry
Damp Earth
Fresh Cherry
The Wine
Deep and dark in the glass, with dark plum and ripe black cherry notes on the nose. A Cabernet-like herbal expression with a hint of warm spice and roasted fruit on the finish lends richness to the palate. Though full-bodied, the finish is fresh, making it an ideal pairing for fatty pork chops, or your first BBQ of the season.
The Story
This family farm is best known for its olive oil production, which patriarch Annibale Salerno has been making since the 1970s. His five children have recently taken the estate’s future in their own hands, however, and they’ve turned their focus to winemaking, seeing incredible potential in the region’s unique volcanic soils and native grapes. This bottle, from 100% Aglianico, is one of Hayes’ favorites. “It’s a great option for a full-bodied red, but it has awesome lift,” she says. Aglianico has been nicknamed “Italy’s Cabernet,” and it’s a great sidestep for folks looking to branch out of California for a slightly earthier bottle.
