Donnachiara, Taurasi, 2019
Donnachiara, Taurasi, 2019
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Aglianico
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2040
Born in 2005, this modern winery boasts vineyards with ancient properties and almost all female management, including the current CEO Ilaria Petitto, who decided to dedicate herself to grape development.
Ilaria is supported by her mother Chiara, the niece of Donna Chiara Mazzarelli Petitto, for whom this company is dedicated.
Currently showing primary blackberry fruit with well-integrated oak, this wine will develop secondary complexity over the next 5-7 years. Expect leather, tobacco, and earth to emerge around 2030, when the volcanic minerality will become more pronounced. The wine should plateau between 2032-2037, maintaining its fruit-spice balance before gradually declining after 2040, though the best vintages can surprise with their longevity.
What the critics say:
"Pretty crushed blackberries with flowers and sandalwood on the nose. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh, polished finish. Very integrated and refined. A beauty. Drink or hold."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby red with garnet highlights at the rim.
NoseCrushed blackberries dominate, supported by sandalwood and violet florals. There's a mineral thread running through it all, typical of volcanic soils. With air, leather and dried herbs emerge.
PalateMedium-bodied with remarkable integration for such a young Taurasi. The tannins are fine-grained rather than aggressive, framing dark berry fruit and savoury spice. Fresh acidity keeps everything lifted and precise.
FinishPolished and persistent, with sandalwood spice lingering alongside mineral notes.
Overall impressionThis is refined, modern Taurasi that honours the variety's noble character without the rustic edges.
Food Pairings
In Campania, this would be the wine for Sunday lunch with slow-braised ragu Napoletano over ziti or paccheri. Locals would pair it with wild boar from the Irpinian hills, aged Pecorino from local farms, or grilled lamb with rosemary. The wine's structure also complements the region's buffalo mozzarella when melted over pizza rustica, whilst its acidity cuts through rich dishes like melanzane parmigiana.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 17-18°C in large Burgundy bowls to capture the aromatics. Decant for 1-2 hours to soften the tannins and allow the sandalwood spice to emerge. Young Taurasi benefits from air, so open early or use an aerator if drinking immediately.
The vineyards benefit from Irpinia's volcanic soils, rich in minerals and well-draining tuff. At altitude in the hills east of Naples, the climate is continental with significant diurnal temperature variation, allowing Aglianico to ripen fully whilst retaining its signature acidity. These ancient volcanic soils impart a distinctive mineral backbone that defines great Taurasi.
Taurasi DOCG is Campania's most prestigious red wine appellation and Italy's first DOCG in the south. The regulations demand 100% Aglianico aged for a minimum three years, including one in wood. Often called the 'Barolo of the South', Taurasi is known for producing Italy's most age-worthy wines outside Piemonte, with the best examples improving for decades.
The 2019 growing season in Campania delivered that rarest of gifts: nearly perfect conditions from bud break through harvest. A mild winter gave way to a balanced spring, with enough rain to build reserves but no dramatic weather swings to stress the vines. Summer brought steady warmth without the punishing heat that can shut down photosynthesis, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly across the region's volcanic soils.
What emerged was a vintage of remarkable freshness and definition, particularly for the indigenous varieties that make Campania so compelling. Fiano achieved that ideal balance of richness and minerality, whilst Falanghina retained its characteristic brightness without sacrificing depth. The reds fared equally well: Aglianico developed its trademark structure without the harsh tannins that sometimes mark cooler years, and Piedirosso showed unusual concentration. These wines are drinking beautifully now and should continue rewarding patience until 2030, though the whites are best enjoyed over the next five years whilst their volcanic snap remains at its most vivid.
FAQs
What does this Taurasi taste like?
Crushed blackberries with sandalwood spice, fine tannins, and fresh acidity. It's refined and integrated, showing the noble character of Aglianico without rustic edges.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now through 2040. It's approachable young but will reward patience, developing leather and tobacco notes over the next decade.
What food pairs well with Taurasi?
Braised meats, aged cheeses, and rich pasta dishes. Think slow-cooked ragu, grilled lamb with herbs, or aged Pecorino. The wine's structure handles robust flavours.
Should I decant this wine?
Yes, decant for 1-2 hours at 17-18°C. Young Taurasi benefits from air to soften tannins and allow the aromatics to emerge fully.
How does this compare to other Italian reds?
Taurasi is often called the 'Barolo of the South' for its structure and ageability. This example shows more immediate charm than traditional styles whilst maintaining the variety's noble character.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely. Taurasi is one of Italy's most age-worthy wines outside Piemonte. This 2019 will develop beautifully until 2040, gaining complexity and tertiary aromas.
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs