Histria Antiqua Irpina Aglian

Histria Antiqua Irpina Aglian is a red wine listed under the Esplanda label, with Massachusetts given as its appellation. The name borrows from Campania's Irpinia region and echoes Aglianico, a late-ripening red grape from southern Italy. The product details don't confirm the grape, blend, vintage or alcohol level, so check the back label for those. If the wine follows Aglianico's usual profile, expect dark plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit with hints of smoke, earth or dried herbs. Wines in this style tend to be medium-full in body, with firm tannins and brisk acidity that give a grippy, savory finish. Oak influence varies with the producer, and the details here don't say whether this bottle saw any. The firm structure that style usually has points toward rich, fatty or savory food. Braised short rib, lamb shoulder, grilled sausages, mushroom ragù and aged hard cheeses such as pecorino all give the tannins something to work against. Tomato-based pasta with meat also suits the acidity. Lighter dishes like delicate fish or cream sauces are likely to be overpowered. Serve it at about 60 to 65°F, which is slightly below room temperature and keeps the tannins from tasting heavy or the alcohol from standing out. Wines built like this often open up with 30 to 60 minutes in a decanter or a wide-bowled glass, so pour it ahead of dinner if you can. A large Bordeaux-style or universal red wine glass gives the aromas room to develop. Because the vintage and cellaring details aren't listed, treat it as a bottle to drink soon, with food, and not as one to hold for years.