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Pergola Aleatico Superiore Grifoglietto Villa Ligi 2022 NJ
Tasting Notes: The Pergola Aleatico Superiore Grifoglietto is made from 100% Vernaccia Rossa di Pergola, as this clone of Aleatico is known to the locals, grown in a single steep hillside above ... Pergola, hand-harvested and fermented in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks, and matured for 12 months in 25 hl casks of French oak, followed by six months in bottle before release. In the glass, this lovely red wine has a limpid, soft clairet color, with reflections of pink roses at the edge. Aromas of violets, prune plums, bay laurel, and peonies emerge at first, along with a complex amalgam of blackberry preserves, red cranberries, sandalwood, and breakfast tea, as the nose evolves in the glass. On the palate, the wine is juicy and refreshing, with floral and red fruit elements including cherries and pomegranate that echo the nose, all seasoned with fresh acidity and fine minerality. The overall impression is one of perfect balance, purity, restraint, and refreshing, irresistible drinkability. Drink now–2030. Read More
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The Tonelli family has grown grapes since 1912, when Stefano’s great grandfather, Antonio Tonelli, planted vines between his rows of wheat, and with his brother, began to make wine for local consumption. In 1964, Antonio’s son, Cesare, built a new winery, and in 1985, his son, Francesco, began to estate-bottle some of the production. Originally a teacher, Francesco found himself drawn back to the farm by the growing demand for bottled wine, and eventually, he contributed to the creation of the D.O.C. Pergola, and dedicated himself to the preservation of local grape varieties that were at risk of extinction. He still works every day, and recently co-authored an impressive book on the history of viticulture in the Marche, and on his lifelong efforts to save endangered local varieties. Today, Stefano Tonelli and his wife, Léa Pailloncy, who arrived at Villa Ligi in 2014, manage day-to-day operations.
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The Marches were part of a territory that extended inland along the eastern bank of the Tiber River and up north all the way to the Po Valley. The Umbri and the Picentes occupied the area during early Paleolithic times. Colonized and organized by the Romans in the 3rd century B.C., the area was invaded by the Goths after the fall of the Roman Empire. In the 6th century, the northern part of today's Marches came under Byzantine rule. In the 8th century, the region was donated to the papacy in two steps, first by Pepin the Short, the first Carolingian king of the Franks, in 754 and then by his son Charlemagne in 774. Today's region reaches from the eastern slopes of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. Among the reds, the Aleatico ( locally known as Vernaccia di Pergola) is highly treasured. This D.O.C is in the northern end of the Marche.
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Aleatico is a fascinating black grape variety grown in small quantities, largely in Tuscany, with small plantings in the Marche where it produces the rare DOC Pergola wines. It produces dry red and rosé wines, but also dessert wines made in the passito manner where the grapes are air-dried prior to vinification. The grape has hints of Muscat-like aromas due to its genetic relationship with Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains. DNA testing has also suggested close relationships with Lacrima and Sangiovese. Aleatico is thought to be native to Tuscany, although some researchers point to a Greek origin for the ancient variety.
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Filled pasta, braised pork and chicken dishes, fried calamari, and Passatelli (a local specialty) are all excellent pairings with this beautiful wine.
