Wine Society members know a good thing when they taste it, and Graticciaia – Agricola Vallone’s top wine and one of Italy’s great reds – has been a firm favourite for many years. But this once well-kept secret is now out, and the rest of the world has caught on. The new 2019 is our fourth release ahead of the market and shows the structure of its vintage, with vivid acidity and robust tannins balancing the intense, rich dark fruit. It can be enjoyed – decanted – from release but will age gracefully.
Order by midday Friday 13th September
Basking in the balmy, Adriatic-cooled microclimate of the Salento peninsula in Puglia, Agricole Vallone has a richly biodiverse ecosystem, growing olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and aubergines alongside enviable old-vine negroamaro grapes. The very best of these grapes are harvested for Graticciaia, after which they are partially dried for just under two weeks on grattici (straw mats) in the Puglian sun to intensify the flavours.
The 2019 growing season began slowly with a cold and wet spring, but a warm June kickstarted vegetative growth and the vines benefited from healthy water reserves. Nevertheless, full ripeness was achieved 10-12 days later than usual, with the longer hang time allowing for greater flavour development and complexity.
Graticciaia is a true vino da meditazione: one for savouring slowly with good friends over deep conversations. Don’t miss out on securing your case of the beautiful 2019 vintage!
