Capolino Perlingieri Brizio Campania Aglianico 2021

Alexia Capolino Perlingieri hails from Naples and shares a rich family history in winemaking. She recalls, "My grandfather, a lawyer and member of the first Italian Parliament after Italy became a Republic in 1946, had a passion for viticulture and winemaking. When he passed away in 1972, the year I was born, my mother continued his legacy. At that time, she was one of the few female winemakers in Campania, alongside Lucio Mastroberardino and Leonardo Mustilli. With no babysitting options, I spent my childhood in Solopaca during the harvest seasons, creating beautiful memories."

The Perlingieri vineyards, located in Solopaca near Monte Taburno at an elevation of about 300 meters, are known for their predominantly clay soils with volcanic origins and numerous stones. The estate-grown grapes are planted at a density of 5,000 plants per hectare, with harvesting typically occurring in early September. The yields are kept extremely low, around 1.5 tons per acre, to ensure high-quality fruit.

Their wines are crafted in a beautifully restored old stone house near the vineyards, also featured on their label. Alexia brings passion and meticulous attention to detail to her winemaking process. Grapes are carefully sorted after destemming to remove leaves and stems, a practice common in high-end winemaking but rare in this region and at this price point.

Vinification is conducted in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures, with no oak aging or malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged 7-8 months in the tank before bottling. While Campania is renowned for its robust red wines, particularly from Aglianico, Alexia highlights the unique brilliance and diversity of the region's white wines, which have become her favorite in Italy.

Campania, located in southern Italy, has a rich vinicultural history rooted in ancient civilizations. The region's association with viticulture can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who introduced the practice to the area. Their impact is evident in the nomenclature of some contemporary wines and grape varieties. Subsequent Roman periods not only upheld these viniculture traditions but enhanced them, with Campania's Falernian wine gaining particular renown in the ancient world.

The terroir of Campania provides both opportunities and challenges for viticulturists. The region's volcanic soils, especially those proximate to Vesuvius, are mineral-rich, contributing distinctive qualities to the wines. While the Mediterranean climate ensures grape ripening and maintains necessary acidity, the rugged terrain often necessitates vineyards to be situated on steep inclines, limiting mechanization. Consequently, Campania's winemaking has maintained an organic and natural wine-making approach, preserving its artisanal character.

Campania boasts a range of signature varietals.

Aglianico: Predominantly expressed in the Taurasi DOCG, this red grape is celebrated for its tannic structure and notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice.

Fiano: This white grape, which flourishes in Campania's volcanic terrains, is renowned in its Fiano di Avellino DOCG variant. Its profile includes hazelnut, spice, and pear aromas.

Greco: Mainly identified in the Greco di Tufo DOCG, this white grape has a pronounced mineral profile with hints of peaches and almonds, often accompanied by a zesty finish.

Falanghina: An age-old grape with contemporary relevance, Falanghina wines are fragrant, with dominant citrus and floral notes. They pair well with Campania's seafood offerings.

Following World War II, Campania experienced a decline in wine production. However, the late 20th century marked a renaissance, propelled by innovative winemakers tapping into the potential of indigenous grapes. This resurgence has facilitated Campania's wines in garnering international recognition, appealing to both experts and beginners. The future remains promising for Campania, with a new era of winemakers merging modern techniques with time-honored practices, ensuring the wines reflect both tradition and progression.