The 2006 Casavecchia Centomoggia is another powerful wine packed with dark fruit, tar, scorched earth, smoke and minerals, all of which are framed by firm yet well-balanced tannins. This, too, is another dense, packed wine with notable breed and character, though stylistically it is slightly more austere than the Ambruco. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018.
Proprietor Peppe Mancini co-founded the Vestini Campagnano winery, but left in 2003 to pursue his own project, Terra del Principe. Mancini is largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in three of Campania's indigenous varieties; Pallagrello Bianco, Pallagrello Nero and Casavecchia, ancient grapes that were once prized by prior generations but were allowed to lapse into obscurity. Mancini's first career was the law, but he and his wife Manuela Piancastelli, a respected local journalist, seem to have found their true calling in these hillside vineyards in the province of Caserta. Terra del Principe works with roughly eleven hectares of vineyards and consulting oenologist Luigi Moio oversees winemaking. Terre del Principe is a young property, but these new releases are extremely promising. I highly encourage readers to seek these beautiful wines out.
Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200