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Progetto Calcarius

2019

‘Hellen Rosso’

Bianco Puglia   |   Foggia - Italy
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

The mineral drive of the unique ‘Calcarius’ site is quite apparent with ‘Hellen.’ The wine is named for Helen (Hellen) of Troy (Technically she was originally from Sparta) and as the daughter of Zeus and Leda she certainly had plenty of power but she was also graceful and thought of as the most beautiful woman in the world. Helen was right in the center of the Trojan War and when Troy fell, one of the Greek heroes Diomedes left Troy and arrived on the shores of Puglia, on the shores of the Ofanto River.  Legend has it that he brought cuttings of Nero di Troia with him.  Valentina believes that description is a very accurate depiction of her vision for Nero di Troia, which thrive in the calcaire soils of Valentina’s vineyard.

The fruit was hand-harvested and fully destemmed.  The fruit naturally fermented on its skins for five days and was then pressed to tank to finish fermentation.  After six months aging on the lees the wine was blended and settled naturally prior to being bottled without fining or filtration and just a small addition of sulfur.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Nero di Troia
  • Vineyard: Azienda Agricola Biologica Valentina Passalacqua
  • Vine Age: 12-13-years-old
  • Soil Type: Kimmeridgian calcaire over limestone
  • Viticulture: Certified organic - Practicing biodynamic
  • Fermentation: Native – stainless-steel vat
  • Skin Contact: 5 days
  • Aging: 6 months in stainless-steel followed by 6 months in bottle
  • Alcohol: 11.5%
  • pH: 3.5
  • Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 28 ppm
  • Total Production: 2,216 cases

Tasting Note

Vibrant violet in color.  The wine really comes alive with a bit of air and aromas of juicy red cherries start out initially and then the nose turns darker shades with fresh black cherries, mulberries and a bit of blackberry with a bit of earthiness and an oregano note.  The palate is medium-bodied and persistent, evoking fresh blackberries with a bit of the stems as well.  There is a peppery note that comes alive and a notion of Mediterranean herbs.  The finish has a saline component and light tannins with thirst-quenching acidity.

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Producer


Progetto Calcarius

Region


Foggia

Country


Italy

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