The name Ensis comes from Latin and translates as sword. The Ensis Taurasi tells the story of two young men, Vesevo and Sebeto, who were both in love with a beautiful woman named Leucopetra. Leucoptera, however, was a sea nymph. They both courted her for a long time, but she could not decide between them. One day, while she was looking for shells on the beach, Vesevo and Sebeto appeared before her and started a terrible fight. Leucopetra was so frightened that she ran into the water and called for her father. Neptune transformed her into the largest and most beautiful of the waves (or, according to other sources, the most beautiful cliff in Capri).
Sebeto, shaken by the pain, wept so desperately that he turned into a river, which mysteriously disappeared thousands of years later. Vesevo, on the other hand, lost his mind and was consumed with grief and rage. The fire of his love turned into the fire of the volcano Vesuvius.
Sensory Features: Dark burgundy red in colour with red fruit, berry, spice and liquorice on the nose. Thick red fruit dominates the palate with spice, leather and medium to full oak adding texture. Medium-bodied, with balanced acidity, and a firm tannic structure that lingers on the finish.
Technical Notes
Grape Variety: 100% Aglianico
Fruit for this wine was sourced from vineyards of over 100 years old in Avellino, east of Naples. It is here that the Aglianico has found its chosen land and where it is able to give unique wines. The vineyards are situated between 450 and 550 metres above sea level and are always subject to a cool breeze that blows off the Bay of Naples. This same breeze has, over centuries, blown volcanic ash from Vesuvius inland. The soil here has a volcanic, clayey and calcareous character. The vines are trained with a spurred cordon system.
Winter recorded slightly higher temperatures than the seasonal average and lower rainfall. A climate trend that has continued in the months of March and April. At the end of spring, a period of about 15 days of cold slowed down the phenological phase of the sprouting. The abundant spring rains, concentrated especially in the month of May, have guaranteed water reserve for the soil, fundamental to face the difficulties due to the scarce rainfall of the following months of June and July. Good temperature variations day/night have favoured an excellent ripening of the grapes.
Once arrived at the winery, grapes were carefully selected. The grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed. Maceration took place for 20-25 days at temperatures of 26-28°C. The wine was then aged in a selection of 225L French oak barriques for 16 months before continuing its maturation process in the bottle prior to release.
Best served: Rich main courses, red meat and roast game.
Serving temperature: 18°C
