Wines Irpinia Nativ - Eremo San Quirico - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The Nativ Eremo San Quirico 2016 is an intriguing red wine hailing from the Irpinia DOC in Campania, southern Italy. Primarily crafted from the Aglianico grape variety—one of Italy's most respected indigenous red grapes—this cuvée showcases the depth and elegance for which the region is known. The 2016 vintage, marked by a pleasant balance between ripeness and structure, allows the wine to express a full spectrum of dark fruit flavours, such as black cherry and plum, alongside hints of spice, tobacco, and cocoa. The careful vinification, with extended maceration and a likely period of maturation in oak barrels, imbues the wine with a velvety texture and fine-grained tannins, making it both powerful and refined.

Campania, and especially Irpinia, boasts a unique terroir composed of volcanic soils that impart remarkable minerality and complexity to the wines. The region's climate sees warm, sunny days and cool nights, which slow the ripening process and help maintain the natural acidity and aromatic intensity of the grapes. Historically, Irpinia has been recognised for producing some of southern Italy's finest red wines, with Aglianico often hailed as the "Barolo of the South" for its impressive ageing potential and noble structure.

Pairing this wine is a pleasure due to its bold yet balanced profile. Ideal with hearty regional dishes, it matches beautifully with slow-braised lamb shank, Neapolitan ragù, or even a rich wild boar stew. For a traditional Campanian touch, try it alongside Cacciocavallo cheese or a classic aubergine Parmigiana. Its power and complexity also make it a worthy companion for mature hard cheeses or dishes featuring earthy mushrooms and truffles.

To best appreciate the Eremo San Quirico 2016, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy it at a temperature of 17-18°C to allow the full range of aromas and flavours to express themselves. With proper cellaring, this wine should continue to evolve gracefully for several more years.