Papa Opimiano – Campania IGT 2022

Appellation: Campania IGT

Vintage: 2022

Region: Campania, Italy

Varietal Composition: Predominantly Aglianico (typical for the Papa Opimiano label; exact blend may vary by producer)

Appearance

Brilliant ruby red with youthful violet hues at the rim. Medium to high intensity color with excellent clarity and concentration. Legs are well-defined, indicating balanced alcohol and glycerol presence.

Nose (Aroma)

Expressive and focused on the first swirl. Aromatics open with vibrant red fruits—sour cherry, wild raspberry, and pomegranate—layered with deeper black fruit tones such as blackberry and plum. With air, more complex notes emerge: dried herbs of the Mediterranean (oregano, thyme), gentle tobacco leaf, and subtle earthiness. Secondary influences include hints of sweet spice (clove, cinnamon) and a whisper of cedar from judicious oak maturation.

Palate

Dry, medium-plus body with marked but refined tannic structure. The fruit core remains centered on sanguine red berries and black plum, balanced by bright acidity that drives freshness and lift. Tannins are firm yet polished, offering tactile grip without harshness. Mid-palate depth reveals savory elements—graphite, leather, and minerality—complemented by nuanced spice and light mocha tones.

Finish

Persistence is long and resonant. The finish echoes red fruit and herbal spice, with drying tannins and lingering saline-mineral notes that anchor the wine’s Campanian provenance.

Overall Impression

A wine of structure and seriousness that reflects both its Aglianico lineage and the 2022 vintage’s balance. Elegant rather than overtly opulent, this expression combines youthful vigor with developing complexity—suited for both near-term enjoyment and modest cellaring.PM 88