Nero di Troia Il Falcone Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 2020 - Rivera x 6

Rivera Il Falcone Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG 2020

Il Falcone is a cornerstone of Apulian winemaking. Produced since 1950, this red wine interprets the local tradition through a rigorous selection of grapes from the oldest Nero di Troia vineyards, blended with a portion of Montepulciano. The name pays homage to Frederick II of Swabia, a lover of falconry and the builder of Castel del Monte, a symbol of the land that gives life to this wine of noble lineage and great longevity.

The grapes are harvested between the third and fourth weeks of October. Vinification involves a 15-day maceration with délestage techniques to maximize polyphenolic extraction while maintaining a silky tannic texture. The wine ages for 16 months: half in French oak barriques (used for various purposes) and half in large 30-hl barrels, a process designed to integrate the wood without overpowering the varietal complexity. Before being released, Il Falcone rests for at least another year in the bottle.

Tasting Notes and Sensory Profile

• Abv: 13.50% Vol.
• Appearance: Dense and luminous garnet red, with great visual consistency.
• Aroma Profile: A complex and layered bouquet. It opens with notes of ripe fruit, followed by tertiary hints of leather, tobacco, and fine spices.
• On the Palate: Full, austere, and full-bodied. The structure is imposing yet balanced, with a very long, persistent, and harmonious finish.
• Aging Potential: A wine with extraordinary potential for evolution, capable of easily exceeding 10 years of cellaring.

Recommended Pairings and Serving Suggestion

The complexity of Il Falcone makes it the ideal partner for the most important traditional dishes:

• Meat-Based Second Courses: Perfect with large roasts of red meat, furred game, and stewed meat dishes with strong sauces.
• Cheese: It pairs magnificently with intensely flavored, mature cheeses.
• Serving Suggestion: It is recommended to uncork the bottle well in advance to promote oxygenation. Serve at a temperature of 18 - 20°C in large balloon glasses.

The Rivera Winery

The Rivera Winery, based in Andria, represents the history and excellence of viticulture in Puglia. The De Corato family, since the mid-twentieth century, has been a key player in promoting Nero di Troia, bringing the Castel del Monte DOCG to the pinnacle of national quality thanks to a vision that combines respect for the territory and cutting-edge technology.