Il Priore is Ca’ Botta’s flagship Concept wine and the fullest expression of the idea behind Fermentino Ca’Botta®. Extended appassimento takes concentration to an extraordinary scale, gathered into a dry red of immense depth and structure.
The first impression is breadth: dense dark fruit and an enveloping texture fill the palate. Then Il Priore begins to reveal another side. Tobacco, herbs and spice emerge gradually as the fruit settles, drawing the wine towards a darker, more savoury character. Its power is immediate; the pleasure lies in how completely that power holds together from the first sip to the last.
Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Blackberry, ripe plum and black cherry lead the bouquet, followed by dried fig and clove. Dried herbs and tobacco deepen the aroma, with a dry mineral note underneath.
The palate is broad, dense and mouth-filling. Firm tannins give the fruit a powerful frame, while fresh acidity keeps the centre defined. Considerable warmth is carried inside the fruit and texture, adding to the wine’s scale while freshness keeps the structure clear.
With air, the fruit becomes darker and more dried in expression as herbs and spice move forward.
The finish is exceptionally persistent and dry, leaving clove, tobacco and mineral savouriness after the fruit.
Serve Il Priore with bistecca alla Fiorentina, venison with juniper, wild boar brasato, slow-braised beef cheek or roast lamb shoulder.
Long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Monte Veronese and Bagòss are natural cheese pairings. Il Priore also has the depth to become the final bottle of the evening, poured slowly on its own after dinner.
Allow at least 60 minutes in a decanter before serving and use a generous red-wine glass.
Serve at 18–22°C.
Luca Maroni — 93 points
James Suckling — 90 points
Vintage 2015
Luca Maroni — 96 points
Vintage 2014
Luca Maroni — 96 points, 3rd Best Red Wine
SAKURA Japan Women’s Wine Awards 2018 — Double Gold