'Rais' Cantine Astroni 2019
"Rais" is a red wine of good complexity, aroma and body made from a blend of Agliancio, Piedirosso and Primitivo that ages in wood and steel. The nose smells of dried flowers, red fruit, cherries in alcohol, toasted and tobacco aromas. The sip is wide and harmonious, balanced and persistent, with pleasant freshness and flavor
Cantine Astroni presents the Red ‘Rais’, a peculiar and original interpretation resulting from a blend of three different grape varieties from three different areas: Aglianico from Irpinia, Piedirosso from the Campi Flegrei, and Primitivo from the province of Caserta. Cantine Astroni, founded in 1999, is located right on the outskirts of Naples, representing a rare case of “metropolitan viticulture.” The vineyards are bordered by the Parco degli Astroni, just a short walk from the volcanic Lake of Agnano.
The ‘Rais’ Red from Cantine Astroni consists of a blend of Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Primitivo, cultivated in disparate areas but mainly consisting of sandy-clay soils. The vines are old and are trained in the alberello and cordone speronato styles with a view to environmental protection. Once manual harvesting is completed, the grapes undergo a cryomaceration pre-fermentation, a technique aimed at extracting the maximum possible amount of varietal aromas by placing the must at very low temperatures, generally for a few hours. The subsequent The alcoholic fermentation takes place in steel tanks for two weeks at controlled temperature, followed by a maturation period of at least 6 months in steel on fine lees and an additional 6-8 months in large wooden barrels.
Cantine Astroni 'Rais' Rosso has an intense ruby red color. On the nose, there are hints of dark fruit, cherries in spirit, Mediterranean herbs, sweet spices, and toasted notes. Warm, rich, and harmonious on the palate, with excellent intensity and breadth. The important tannic structure leads to a persistent and balanced finish. Due to its full-bodied structure, the 'Rais' Rosso needs to be paired with meat main courses or pasta with ragù.