Vita Vitis is a collaboration between Italian winemaker Maurizio Castelli and Chilean winemaker Andres Sanchez. Both have worked in Italy for such producers as Grattamacco in Tuscany. Their mission is to introduce lesser known Italian varietals into Chile rather than just the typical French varietals. That’s what makes this wine unique because Aglianico is rarely found outside of Italy. Besides Aglianico, they have planted other reds like Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Primitivo, Cesanese, Dolcetto, Terrano (Refosco), Barbera and Cannonou (Grenache). They’ve also planted whites like Fiano, Falanghina, Incrocio Manzoni, Pinot Blanco, Verdicchio, and Grechetto de Todi. Production here is small and they currently don’t export outside of Chile.
Aglianico is mainly found in Southern Italy. It can be made in different styles. Traditionally it is a rustic, tannic, spicy and high acid wine for aging. However, more modern versions use oak to soften it up and make it more creamy and lush. It’s something to have with meaty dishes.
Reviews:
Color is dark red. Nose is interesting with ripe blackberry and blueberry with some medicinal herbal notes and minerality. There’s a little bit of milk chocolate. The palate is more dark cherry fruit with good acidity. A touch of spice. Smooth texture. No heat despite 14.8% alcohol. There’s some noticeable tannic structure without food but not as much as I’ve had in most Italian Aglianico. I’ve had mostly modern versions of Italian Aglianico, so I recall more spice, cinnamon and creaminess. Like many Chilean wines, this Aglianico straddles the more rustic and modern versions of the grape. It’s not as modern, but it’s certainly more tame than the rustic versions. 91 pts AC
More fruity than its Italian cousins. Bold, fresh, acidic. Good balance of dark fruit and structure. Delicious under-the-radar find. 92 pts CS
Your guys are making me want to come back to Chile. but then it will again be so many wines, so little time. 🙂