Francesca Fiasco Difesa Paestum Rosso IGP – 2018

Francesca Fiasco is a highly accomplished young lady, who is fiercely proud of her origins and local cultures. She took over her grandparents’ vineyards near Felitto in the beautiful Cilento National Park – about 20kms inland from the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum on the Salento coast – almost 10 years ago. She then singlehandedly built a new winery, using only local stone so it blends easily with the local scenery, and produced her first vintage of wines under her personal winery name in 2016.

Her vineyards are situated in the hills at 250-450ms altitude, so there is usually a cooling breeze in the summer. The soils are mainly clay and limestone which are excellent for water retention – an important attribute for the long hot summers in this part of the world. She farms her vines organically – a mix of the local red Aglianico grape from 50-70 year old vines, together with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and other local varieties.

This is a blend of 35% Aglianico, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Barbera and the balance local red grape varieties. It was matured for one and a half years in French barrels, 50% new.

It has a deep ruby/garnet colour. On the nose, it has a multitude of scents; black cherry, black plum, violets, roses, Mediterranean scrub, nutmeg, toasted almond, menthol and graphite. Delicious flavours of dark cherry, gentle vanilla and spice on the palate – this is classy, complex and beautifully made. The use of 50% new oak barrels helps give excellent body and structure to the wine. The tannins are firm but rounded and the fruit is ripe and hedonistic.

This is a perfect mix of classic/traditional southern Italian flavours and a modern winemaking style; 13.5% alcohol.

Drink with baked lamb with potatoes, or caciocavallo cheese.

580 cases were produced. Drink now – 2030