At a glance

Producer

Cellars Cinder Cove

Region

USA, likely California or Pacific Northwest

Grape variety

Aglianico

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$40

Tasting profile

Dense dark fruits (black cherry, plum), dried herbs, leather, tobacco, and firm earthy minerality

Evolution: Over 5-10 years, will develop complex tertiary notes of forest floor, truffle, and spice complexity

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, earth, and savory notes with softened tannins and lush mouthfeel

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

High and grippy, typical for Aglianico

Alcohol

13.5%-14.5%

Aging potential

15+ years from vintage, with peak drinking between 9-17 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2040

Optimal window

2028 to 2043

Current status

Too young, likely closed and tannic

Current condition

Youthful with primary fruit and robust tannins; best aged

Aglianico is known as the 'Barolo of the South' for its strong tannic structure and acidity, enabling long aging. The 2023 vintage in a New World region is expected to have fruit intensity that benefits from extended bottle aging, with 10-15 years before peak drinking.

Food pairing

Hearty dishes such as grilled lamb, beef stew, aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, and rich tomato sauces complement the wine’s tannic and earthy profile.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to develop

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Limited details; likely conventional viticultural practices. Unknown energy use or water conservation initiatives; packaging likely standard glass bottles.

Due to limited data and absence of certifications for Cellars Cinder Cove, the sustainability score is moderate. Without known adoption of organic, biodynamic, or advanced sustainability practices, and considering typical packaging and transportation, the overall impact is average.