Bocca di Lupo Castel

100% Aglianico — from the Tormaresca estate (Bocca di Lupo), within the Castel del Monte DOC, Puglia, Italy. 

 ~14.5% ABV. The 2017 vintage underwent oak-barrel aging (French oak) plus malolactic fermentation, followed by bottle aging — giving the wine firm structure and good aging potential.

Colour: deep, rich ruby-red. 

On the nose you’ll find a complex, layered profile: ripe red and dark fruits (black cherry, wild blackberry, currant) combined with subtle spice, balsamic/herbal hints, and touches of tobacco, dark chocolate, and even vanilla/clove-like warmth. 

As it opens with some air, many reviewers note the emergence of smoky or slightly mineral undertones, along with floral notes (some “rosy florals” or “blue-flower” hints) under the fruit. 

On the palate, the wine is generous and full-bodied, with a rich, round entry that evolves into a structured, harmonious mouthfeel. 

Flavours match the nose: dark and red fruit (black cherry, blackberry, currant), with savoury-spicy notes (clove, spice, a hint of smoke or tobacco), plus deeper chocolate / cocoa / dark-chocolate undertones when more mature. 

Tannins are present — firm, yet fairly refined and balanced, giving the wine structure without over-astringency. The texture is often described as velvety or “silky-textured,” especially after some decanting / airing. 

The finish is long and persistent. Dark fruit lingers, along with spice, balsamic/herbal echoes, maybe a whisper of smoke or tobacco, leaving a refined, mature after-taste. 

While the 2017 is already drinkable, it shows structure and depth that suggest it should improve with a bit more cellaring — offering more integration of oak and tertiary notes over time.

The 2017 Bocca di Lupo is a beautiful expression of southern-Italian Aglianico: bold and structured, yet elegant and well balanced. It delivers a satisfying mix of ripe dark fruit and savoury-spicy complexity, underpinned by firm tannins and a long finish.

It works well now with some decanting — but also has enough “bones” to evolve over the next few years.

14.5% alc./vol.