NATIV Rue 333 Taurasi 2018

Vini Nativ was established in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia—specifically between Paternopoli and Taurasi, in Campania’s Province of Avellino—by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an esteemed oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a food science specialist . The name “Nativ” signifies “Native Productions,” emphasizing the winery’s commitment to crafting wines deeply tied to the region’s heritage and indigenous grape varieties . Their 15 hectares of volcanic-soil vineyards yield expressive, terroir-driven wines, with Rue 333 representing their flagship cru in the portfolio .

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Grape Variety & Terroir

This wine is crafted exclusively from 100% Aglianico, often hailed as the “noble vine” of southern Italy and the backbone of Taurasi DOCG . The vineyards thrive at about 600 m elevation on volcanic soils typical of Irpinia, trained via the Avellinese radial or spurred‑cordon systems .

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Winemaking & Aging

• Harvest occurs late in the season, typically from late October to early November .

• After a brief cold premenaceration, the must ferments with selected yeasts (and in some expressions, wild yeasts), with around 20 days maceration on the skins .

• It undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barriques, followed by aging in 225 L French oak barriques for 24 or 36 months, depending on the source .

• Post-barrel, it is aged further in bottle, typically for 12 months .

• Alcohol content is around 14–14.5% .

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Tasting Notes

Visual

A bright ruby red with garnet glints—clear evidence of both concentration and elegance   .

Nose

• Cherries, particularly the local “Maiatica di Taurasi” cherry.

• Black plums, ripe dark berries, and black cherries.

• Spicy complexity: toasted spices, coffee, dried fruit, smoky or tar-like nuances, perhaps even vegetal smokiness or cedar  .

Palate

• Full-bodied and velvety, with a plush or creamy texture supported by velvety or chalky tannins  .

• Flavors: black and red fruit, including plum, blackberry, black cherry; savory mineral undertones, smoky oak, dark spices, tar, even a hint of charcuterie or roasted herbs  .

• Balanced by zesty acidity, offering a crisp backbone and long, dry finish with lingering toasty, smoky echoes .

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Critic & Rating Highlights

• James Suckling (2018 vintage): “Dark and plummy with smoked black fruit, toasted spices and tar. Full and creamy with velvety tannins and a plush fruit character. Intense and rich with a dry finish… Drink or hold.” Score: ~88 .

• Decanter World Wine Awards: ~87 .

• Luca Maroni: Exceptional 96/100 .

• Vino.com: 93/100 .

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Summary Tasting Note

A virtuoso expression of Taurasi DOCG, Nativ Rue 333 2018 radiates sophistication and power. On the nose, it unites juicy cherries, plum, and black berry richness with refined spice, smoky tar, and cedar nuances. The palate is full and velvety, featuring lush fruit balanced by mineral depth, racy acidity, and chalky tannins. A long, dry finish resonates with toasted oak and savory echoes, making this wine ideal for cellaring and pairing with hearty fare—think red meat, game, pappardelle ragu, and aged cheeses.

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Pairing Suggestions

• Red meats (grilled steak, braised lamb shoulder)

• Game (wild boar, hare pappardelle)

• Rich meat-based first courses (meat sauce pasta)

• Tomato-forward dishes or aged cheeses

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Serving Tips

• Temperature: Serve at ~18 °C (64 °F) .

• Decanting: Let it breathe to soften tannin edges and unveil full aromatic complexity.

• Cellaring potential: Drink now or cellar for 8–10+ more years for deeper integration .

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In essence, Nativ Rue 333 2018 is a masterful blend of terroir-driven intensity and refined elegance, making it a standout Taurasi that rewards both immediate enjoyment and long