Zagreo, Fiano Roccamonfina, I Cacciagalli - 2018

A dialed-in and delectable orange wine from a generations-old farm on volcanic soils in northwest Campania, this is a fine introduction to a region representing some of the very best efforts in Italian natural winemaking. Diana Iannaccone is the current custodian of her family’s estate. She and husband Mario Basco maintain a practice of biodynamics and low yields in the vineyard, and long maceration in amphorae in their winery. Their wines are expressive, concentrated, and brimming with local character. 'Zagreo’ is 100% fiano, fermented 45 days on its skins, aged 9 months in clay vessels. For me it showed fuzzy apricot skin, sagebrush and rosemary, and white flowers. Grippy and structured with a medium-full body, this is best decanted, served at a cool room temperature. Would be an elegant partner with an herbaceous roast (porchetta!).