"Il Falcone" Castei del Monte Rosso RSV DOCG 2016

750ml

Overview

Rivera "Il Falcone" Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 2016 is a prestigious red wine from the renowned Rivera winery, located in the historic Castel del Monte region of Puglia, Italy. This wine is crafted from the indigenous Nero di Troia grape, a variety that is known for its depth, structure, and aging potential. With its powerful profile, dark fruit character, and complexity derived from extended aging in oak, "Il Falcone" represents the pinnacle of winemaking in the Castel del Monte DOCG. The 2016 vintage showcases exceptional balance and refinement, making it an ideal wine for both current enjoyment and long-term cellaring.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This process ensures the preservation of fresh fruit flavors while allowing for gentle extraction of tannins.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine undergoes a lengthy aging process in French oak barrels for about 18 months. This helps integrate the tannins and fruit, allowing the wine to develop layers of complexity.
• Bottling: The wine is bottled with minimal intervention to preserve its purity, unfiltered to retain the full richness and texture.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, indicating its evolution and aging potential.
• Aroma: Intense and complex, with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with notes of tobacco, leather, and a touch of spice from the oak aging. As it breathes, hints of dried herbs and earthy undertones emerge.
• Palate: Full-bodied and well-structured, with rich dark fruit flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry. The palate is supported by firm yet velvety tannins, balanced by vibrant acidity. The wine also reveals subtle layers of leather, tobacco, and spices, contributing to its complexity.
• Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and a hint of oak spice, leaving a smooth and satisfying aftertaste.

Food Pairing

"Il Falcone" pairs excellently with rich, savory dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled steaks, and wild game. It also complements hearty pasta dishes like ragù and pasta alla Norma. Aged cheeses such as Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano are also ideal companions.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 18–20°C (64–68°F) to bring out the wine's full complexity and balance.
• Decanting: Decanting for at least an hour is recommended, especially for younger bottles, to help open up the wine and soften the tannins.

Aging Potential

With its robust structure and well-integrated acidity, "Il Falcone" Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 2016 has excellent aging potential. It can continue to develop for 10–15 years, gaining additional complexity and depth as it matures, with tertiary notes of dried fruit, tobacco, and leather becoming more pronounced over time.