Piana dei Castelli – Capitancelli Rosso 2013

Piana dei Castelli’s 2013 Capitancelli Rosso is made of 30% Cesanese, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Montepulciano and 20% Syrah, from a vineyard to the north of Velletri. The 60-year-old vines are grown on volcanic tufaceous soil and were harvested manually at the end of October. After destemming, the grapes were crushed and macerated with their skins for 6 months in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts, without any additions. It was then aged 24 months on its lees in cement tanks and bottled unfiltered. It is recommended to aerate this wine before consumption.

The 2013 Capitancelli Rosso has a ruby red colour with a purple tinge. It has a nose with aromas of cherries, minerals, spices. On the palate it’s medium-bodied, complex and powerful, juicy, spicy dark fruit being complemented by ripe tannins and crisp acidity. It pairs well with cheese and pasta dishes, as well as cured meat and olives.

About Piana dei Castelli

Located in the comune of Velletri, southeast of Rome in Lazio’s Alban Hills, Matteo Ceracchi and Nicoletta De Angelis run Piana dei Castelli. The couple farm a mosaic of vineyards, spread over eleven different municipalities, at various altitudes and with varying soil types – although mostly volcanic, rich in basalt and tuff. Although Ceracchi is a classically trained oenologist, they work decidedly natural – eschewing synthetic chemicals in their biodynamically farmed vineyards and excess intervention in the cellar. It leads to adventurous, unpredictable wines that express character and a clear sense of place.