### Sommelier Report 🍷 and Food Pairing for Irpinia Aglianico 2020

 

  In the undulating landscapes of Southern Italy's Campania, the Aglianico grape finds its voice, a tenor of the terroir that resounds with the complexity and vigor of the region's volcanic spirit. The 2020 Irpinia Aglianico, crafted by the esteemed Mastroberardino family, is a testament to this voice, articulating a story of resilience and the triumph of nature's alchemy.

The vineyards, cradled in the bosom of ancient traditions and the modernity of winemaking science, yield a wine that is both a relic and a revelation. The Mastroberardino family, with roots burrowing deep into the 19th century, has nurtured this varietal with a tender yet astute hand. Antonio Mastroberardino, post-World War II, emerged not just as a winemaker but as a savior of the Aglianico, rescuing it from the ravages of war and pestilence to bring forth a wine of upright power and earthy mystery.

The 2020 vintage, while not the most recent, stands on its own as a mountain of a wine, rich with bitter fruit, earthy aromas, and full textures. Its tannins, far from abrasive, grant the wine a commendable traction on the palate, a gripping dance of flavors that evokes the rugged charm of the Campanian landscape. One can expect a bouquet that sings of black currants, mushrooms, anise seed, and roses, while the palate is regaled with a full body, significant yet approachable tannins, and a profile that might remind one of a Cabernet Sauvignon donning Nebbiolo's cologne.

With such a profile, the 2020 Irpinia Aglianico is versatile, lending itself to a broad spectrum of culinary pairings. Its deep ruby hue, intense aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry, violet, and spices, and an elegant, soft palate with notes of berries and strawberry jam, make it a companion to any type of cheese and antipasti. It revels alongside soups, pasta dishes, and both red or white meats, a true testament to its adaptability.

From my knowledge, I can suggest four distinct pairings that would do justice to the 2020 Irpinia Aglianico:

1. **Pork Porchetta** - The fatty richness will align beautifully with the wine's gripping tannins.

2. **Buttery Mushroom Risotto** - A dish that will complement the earthy undertones of the wine.

3. **Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan** - A classic that will harmonize with the wine's robust character.

4. **Rack of Lamb** - With hints of rosemary to echo the wine's aromatic profile.

For one of these, let me offer you a step-by-step guide to preparing a sumptuous **Buttery Mushroom Risotto**, a dish that marries well with the Aglianico's earthy and fruity dimensions:

**Buttery Mushroom Risotto**

Ingredients:

- Arborio rice

- A variety of mushrooms, sliced

- Chicken or vegetable stock

- White onion, finely chopped

- Garlic cloves, minced

- Butter

- Parmesan cheese, grated

- Fresh thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- A generous splash of the 2020 Irpinia Aglianico

Instructions:

1. In a deep pan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until translucent.

2. Add the Arborio rice, stirring to coat the grains with the buttery mixture.

3. Deglaze the pan with a splash of Aglianico, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

4. Gradually add warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed.

5. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in butter until golden, then fold into the risotto.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

7. Serve hot with a garnish of more Parmesan and a glass of the Aglianico.

This wine, with its stories and songs of Campania, is more than a drink; it is a conversation with history, a dialogue with the land. For the other pairings, feel free to request detailed cooking instructions at oldworldmarket@gmail.com.

To conclude, the 2020 Irpinia Aglianico from Mastroberardino is not just a wine but an experience. It is a journey through the senses, an education in the nuances of a storied grape, and an indulgence in the craftsmanship of a venerable winemaking dynasty. Let it grace your table, and let the conversation flow as freely as the wine in your glass.