Taurasi DOCG Opera Mia 2012, Cavalier Pepe, Irpinia

Wine Name: Opera Mia – Taurasi DOCG
Kind of Wine: Still Wine / Red / Dry
Winery: Tenuta Cavalier Pepe
Appellation: Taurasi Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
Grape Variety: 100% Aglianico
Alcohol Content: ~14.0–14.5% vol (typical for Taurasi and long-aged Aglianico)

Terroir: Clayey-calcareous soils with volcanic outcrops in the Irpinia hills (Carazita, Pesano, Brussineta – 450 m altitude)
Vineyard Location: Luogosano and Sant’Angelo all’Esca (Irpinia, Campania)

Color: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections
Bouquet: Rich and intense nose of ripe red fruits and berry fruits, including black cherry and blueberry, complemented by floral violet and dried rose notes plus balsamic, spicy black pepper, coffee and chocolate hints
Taste: Complex, full and balanced with good minerality and elegant, fine tannins. The finish is long with fruity and spicy persistence

Winemaking & Aging:
Harvested at full ripeness and carefully selected; fermentation with long skin maceration (~20 days).
Aged for 12 months in French oak barriques, then 24 months in concrete tanks, and finally at least 12 months in bottle before release

Style Profile: Structured and elegant expression of Aglianico from Irpinia, designed for aging and complexity
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C (ideal to decant before serving)
Food Pairing: Perfect with grilled or roasted red meats (fillets, ribs, veal, beef), spicy sauces, game dishes and aged cheeses