Basilicata, Italy.....
Tréje in local dialect means “three”, a name chosen for the three grapes that make up this wine, 34% Aglianico, 33% Merlot and 33% Syrah. The grapes are all handpicked and vinified separately to respect the varietal character of each. All three are refined in oak casks, Merlot and Syrah for 6 months while Aglianico is refined for 12 months.
Tasting Notes: Tréje’s persistent deep ruby red to violet color is a tremendous accent to its intense scents of mature red fruit; red currant, blackberry and luscious plum. On the palate it is soft, yet extremely persistent. It is a very pleasant wine with well structured and smooth tannins. Brilliantly pairs with elaborate red and white meat dishes, cold sausages, and cheeses.
Vineyard Characteristics:
Production area/name of vineyard: The Mount Vulture area
Size of vineyard (acres): 8
Soil composition: Volcanic, limestone, clay and loam
Training method: Spurred cordon
Elevation (feet): 1,060
Vines/acre: 2,270
Yield/acre (tons): 2.7
Exposure: Eastern
Agronomist/Vineyard manager: Giovanni Riviezzo
Winemaking & Aging: Varietal composition: 34% Aglianico, 33% Merlot and 33% Syrah.
Harvest time: September-October
Winemaking consultant: Maurizio Angeletti
Number bottles produced of this wine: 15,000
Fermentationin in Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation (days): 14
Aging in Barriques of 225 L, New Cooperage: French Oak: Allier and Tronçais
Length of aging before bottling: 12 months (Aglianico) and 6 months (Merlot and Syrah)
Length of bottle aging: 6 months
Reviews
Wine & Spirits - June 2009 Southern Italy Year’s Best “A blend of aglianico with syrah and merlot, this balances ripe cherry fruit with savory elements like dried mushroom, black olives and fresh pepper...." 91 points
Wine Advocate - Issue #182/ April 2009 “Central and Southern Italy: A World Waiting to be Discovered” by Antonio Galloni "A beautiful fresh red, the wine reveals layers of sweet, perfumed fruit with notable clarity and definition from start to finish. The delicious offering shows wonderful persistence on the palate and tons of poise, making it a great introduction to the house style, not to mention a terrific value." 89 points