Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality Italian regional wines. Personally speaking, I think Aglianico, (which is an indigenous Italian grape variety mainly grown in Campania), when produced most authentically from old vines, can be one of Italy’s great vinous treasures. The most famous example is the region’s iconic Taurasi DOCG red wine, which has a reputation equal to Piedmont’s famous Barolo. Feudi di San Gregorio’s version of Taurasi DOCG is legendary and their “Serpico” is arguably the estate’s top red. This red wine called “Rubrato” has been classified as Irpinia Aglianico DOC, which is a unique and more recent denomination in Campania and is the younger brother to the more prestigious Taurasi DOCG. A wine not for the faint hearted.

Established in the mid-1980s, Feudi di San Gregorio are located in the province of Avellino, Campania in southern Italy and produce white and red wines of immense personality, in a region where the underrated Aglianico flourishes. In addition, they are the main protagonists of the renaissance of Southern Italian wines. “Rubrato” displays all the liquorice-scented, spicy black fruits and mineral flavours of this vineyard’s unique terroirs. The wine is well-structured and powerful yet characterful and fruity with rustic charm. Best enjoyed with food and in a convivial atmosphere. Best decanted one hour before service. This full-bodied wine will also cellar well for a further ten years from vintage.