Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico 2016

Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico 2016

 

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Feudi di San Gregorio
Serpico 2016
  • Vintage : 2016
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Campania
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Aglianico

A profound expression of ancient Aglianico, Serpico 2016 is a wine of volcanic soul and noble stature, capturing the timeless essence of Campania's oldest vines.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 94 2016
WS Wine Spectator 93 2016
RP Robert Parker 93 2016
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2016
JS James Suckling 92 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Serpico 2016 hails from Campania's Irpinia DOC, a high-altitude subregion in southern Italy known for its volcanic soils, mountain influences, and ancient viticulture. The grapes are sourced from the historic "Dal Re" vineyard, located in Sorbo Serpico, a hamlet nestled in the hills of Avellino province. This site is emblematic of Campania's viticultural legacy, boasting ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines over 150 years old—a rarity that imparts profound character and minerality to the wine.

The vines are planted in deep soils of volcanic ash, contributing to the wine's distinct mineral backbone. Trained in a traditional high pergola system (up to 12 feet), these old Aglianico trunks grow vertically and are then guided horizontally, maximizing exposure and airflow. Situated at approximately 350 metres above sea level, the vineyard benefits from significant diurnal shifts that preserve acidity and aromatic complexity. The result is a site of exceptional pedigree, both geologically and viticulturally.

Winemaking

This wine is 100% Aglianico, a variety revered for its aging potential, high tannins, and affinity for volcanic terroirs. Grapes are manually harvested in mid to late October, with some parcels picked as late as early November. Each vineyard parcel is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, where a 10-day maceration on skins is conducted at a controlled temperature of 24 °C (75 °F) to extract phenolic richness without compromising finesse.

Malolactic fermentation occurs in oak, enhancing roundness and complexity. The wine is then matured for 18 months in medium-toast new French oak barrels, a choice that brings notes of spice, toast, and polish to the naturally powerful structure of Aglianico. A further minimum of 8 months in bottle precedes release, allowing integration and refinement. The final blend is assembled after individual parcel aging to ensure harmony and depth.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, hinting at maturity and concentration.
  • Aroma: An opulent bouquet of cherry jam, licorice, and coffee, laced with cacao and sweet spice nuances.
  • Palate: Rich and balanced, with layered flavors of ripe fruit, espresso, and mineral undertones. Tannins are firm yet polished, supporting a long, savory finish with a gentle smoky touch.

Did you know?

Serpico is named after the village of Sorbo Serpico, where the winery is headquartered. The Dal Re vineyard not only predates phylloxera but stands as a living testament to Campania's viticultural continuity, with vines trained in an unusual 12-foot-high pergola system—originally designed to shield grapes from humidity and maximize sun exposure in this hilly, volcanic terrain.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The wine's robust tannins and spice match beautifully with the savoury char and herbaceous lift of lamb.
  • Beef short ribs braised in red wine: The intensity and structure of Serpico stand up to the richness of slow-cooked meat dishes.
  • Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy, umami-driven flavours harmonize with the wine's minerality and aged depth.
  • Aged provolone or pecorino: Bold, salty cheeses offer a perfect counterpoint to the wine's tannic grip and dark fruit profile.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 94 Points (2016)
The savory nose features the weathered sophistication of leather, cigars, soil and pepper, while undertones of oregano, tomatoes and cherries provide a burst of energy. On the brighter palate, the cherry element is emphasized by raspberries, but a savory balance persists. Acid crackles around gleaming yet firm tannins.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2016)
Firm and minerally, with a core of fine, dense tannins wrapped in flavors of crushed black and red cherry, iron, earth, tobacco and dark chocolate. Fresh and graceful on the palate despite its tight mesh, this opens slowly and lingers on the well-spiced finish. Drink now through 2034. 1,000 cases imported.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2016)
Available in a dark, frosted bottle, the Feudi di San Gregorio 2016 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico has taken the proverbial turn toward tertiary aromas, or at least an initial turn, showing pressed blackberry and blackcurrant surrounded by tarry smoke, campfire ash and toasted spice. The 2016 vintage will be remembered for its power and its inner elegance, and those are exactly the traits that have carried this wine so far, and that will continue to shape its bottle-aging trajectory. There are dusty volcanic tones on the close, and the tannins are dry over a mid-weight mouthfeel.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2016)
The 2016 Aglianico Serpico is impossibly fresh, with an array of hauntingly dark florals, steeped plums and white smoke forming its inviting bouquet. This is racy and sleek, also intensely mineral, with silky textures offset by tart wild berry fruits. Zesty acidity balances it all out, and hints of sour citrus add penetrating contrast. A wall of edgy tannins emerges through the dramatically long finish, leaving an air of balsamic spice and espresso bean to mingle under a waft of mentholated herbs. The 2016 will require a considerable amount of cellaring to come fully into balance. That said, its oak integration is exceptional, having spent 18 months in French barriques. (EG)

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2016)
A lovely nose of ripe red berries with sweet vanilla and chocolate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and good acidity which brightens the black and red-cherry character. Good balance and length. A little straightforward this year.

Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Fiano di Avellino 2022
Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Fiano di Avellino 2022
Feudi di San Gregorio
Pietracalda Fiano di Avellino 2022
WE
90
W&S
91
JS
90
From the most evocative vines from the hills of Sorbo Serpico, Feudi di San Gregorio we have selected the best grapes: Pietracalda is the best expression of Fiano.
20,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
62,50 €
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