Vigneti del Vulture Piano del Cerro Aglianico del Vulture

- Serve slightly below room temperature (~16°C) to highlight the wine’s complexity and freshness.
- Present in oversized tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate aromas and enhance the expressive profile.
- Pair with rich rustic dishes like slow-cooked wild boar ragù grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic or aged pecorino cheese with figs for a regional touch.
- Create a tasting flight featuring this wine alongside a small board of volcanic stone-roasted vegetables (eggplant bell pepper mushrooms) drizzled with smoked olive oil.
- For an unexpected twist serve chilled (around 14°C) in a stemless glass during early summer evenings with spiced dry-cured sausages and grilled flatbreads topped with tapenade.
- Use as a marinade base combining the wine with garlic citrus zest and fresh herbs for hearty grilled meats or robust vegetable skewers.
- Celebrate special occasions like harvest festivals or winter solstice dinners where its intensity compliments the season’s rich robust flavors.
- Garnish the serving table with sprigs of Mediterranean herbs (rosemary sage) to enhance the sensory experience alongside the wine’s savory notes.

For storing red wine such as Aglianico del Vulture 2020 the optimal temperature range is between 58°F and 65°F (14-18°C) to preserve its quality and aging potential. Temperatures should not exceed 70°F (21°C) to avoid premature aging or spoilage. A more stable temperature closer to 55-60°F (13-15°C) can also be suitable for medium to full-bodied reds.

Light exposure must be minimized by storing the wine in a dark place such as a wine cellar or a cabinet with no direct sunlight as UV rays can degrade the wine’s flavor over time.

Sealing: Keep the bottle tightly sealed with its original cork to limit oxygen ingress which can oxidize and spoil the wine. For unopened bottles a properly corked seal offers effective preservation.

Bottle position: Store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out and shrinking which could compromise the seal.

Humidity should ideally be maintained around 70% to keep corks from drying out although typical cellar humidity between 60-70% is acceptable. Excessive dryness or humidity can damage corks or labels respectively.

For opened bottles the wine is exposed to air and thus more vulnerable to oxidation. It is recommended to re-cork tightly and store in a refrigerator (40-45°F or 4-7°C) to slow oxidation and preserve flavor for several days. Before serving bring the wine back up to around 60-65°F to approach optimal drinking temperature.

Special considerations for this red wine type:
- Avoid temperature fluctuations as they accelerate wine aging and damage.
- A vibration-free environment is preferable to allow wine to rest undisturbed.
- Avoid storing near heat sources or kitchen appliances which produce heat or vibrations.

Following these will best preserve the quality and shelf life of unopened and opened bottles of this red wine.