Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco (2013)

About this wine

This wine presents a deep ruby red color and opens with aromas of black fruit, earth, game, leather, and black spice. The dense palate delivers rich blackberry, black cherry, and black pepper, supported by robust tannins and a solid acidic backbone. Made from native grape Pallagrello Nero along with Aglianico and Casavecchia, this blend showcases the unique terroir of Campania. The vineyard's sandy soils contribute to the wine's distinctive character. This wine is a testament to the region's rich winemaking heritage.

About the grape

Pallagrello Nero, Aglianico, and Casavecchia are three ancient grape varieties native to Campania, Italy, each contributing unique characteristics to the 2013 Nanni Copè Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco Terre del Volturno IGT. Pallagrello Nero, once favored by the Bourbon kings and nearly lost to history, was rediscovered in the 1990s and is known for its thick skin and fine tannins. Aglianico, often referred to as the "Barolo of the South," is celebrated for its deep color and high acidity, providing structure to the blend. Casavecchia, with its roots tracing back to ancient times, adds depth and complexity, especially when sourced from old, ungrafted vines. Together, these varietals are cultivated in the sandy soils of Castel Campagnano, reflecting the rich viticultural heritage of the region.

Quick facts

• 🏞️ The name 'Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco' translates to 'Sands Above the Woods,' reflecting the vineyard's sandy soils and elevated position above a forest.
• 👑 The primary grape, Pallagrello Nero, was once favored by the Bourbon kings of Naples and nearly went extinct before its revival in the 1990s.
• ⛱️ The vineyard's sandy soils and northwest exposure contribute to the wine's unique minerality and freshness.
• 🍇 The blend includes Casavecchia grapes from ungrafted vines over a century old, adding depth and complexity to the wine.
• 🍷 The wine undergoes meticulous vinification, including long macerations and aging in French tonneaux, to achieve elegance and balance.

Palate profile

Producer

Nanni Copè was founded in 2007 by Giovanni Ascione, a journalist and professional taster with a deep passion for wine. Located in Castel Campagnano, a small village in the upper Caserta area of Campania, Italy, the winery is situated at an altitude of 215 meters, overlooking the Volturno River. The vineyards are characterized by steep slopes with sandy soils, contributing to the unique terroir. Ascione's meticulous approach involved obsessive care of each vine and manual harvesting of each bunch, leading to the production of a single acclaimed label, Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco. After a successful journey of over a decade, Giovanni decided to cease production, making the winery's offerings highly sought after.