Cantari le Janare: the bewitched wine

Dear friends of WineatWine, today I want to tell you about a wine that was given to me as a gift by a friend from Campania and, obviously, out of "local pride" (!!!) it is a product from his region; objectively, I must admit that it is truly a great wine.

Let's start with the origins of the name, which was explained to me by Francesco: la Janara, in the popular beliefs of Benevento, is a witch; the name probably derives from Dianara, a priestess, or from the Latin "ianua" meaning door.

According to legend, the Janare would steal horses at night, riding them and braiding their manes as a sign of their presence; they were experts in herbs, ointments and potions, and had an acid and aggressive character.

The weakness of this witch lies in her hair, by which it was possible to grab her and stop her actions; at that point, when asked "che tien mman?" (what do you have in your hand) the correct answer was "fierr e acciaio" (iron and steel); the wrong answer being "capill" (hair), to which the Janara would respond by saying "I me sciulie comm n'anguill" (I slip away like an eel).

Associated with this witch is the sensation of apparent paralysis and suffocation that is sometimes felt during sleep; the recommended remedy? Place a broom or a packet of coarse salt outside the threshold of the door so as to keep the witch occupied, as she would stop to count the bristles of the broom or the grains of salt.

Now let's talk about the wine "Cantari": Le Janare Il "Cantari", is obtained from 100% Aglianico grapes, fermented in stainless steel and aged in Allier and Troncais barrique for 12 months; it is bottled in spring, two years after the harvest.

The wine is produced in the Sannio Beneventano area and has an alcohol content of 14 degrees.

Visually it appears clear, with a beautiful deep ruby red color, consistent with slow tearing and closely spaced arches.

On the nose it arrives with an intense, dry, fruity, floral and spicy fragrance.

In the mouth it reveals itself on the palate with a full, full-bodied, velvety and warm flavor, with a significant but appropriately soft tannin that is never harsh.

It is a wine of deep color, with an intense aroma of red fruit and flowers, blending with spicy notes of vanilla and pepper, revealing on the palate its imposing tannic structure.

It is recommended to serve at 16-18°.

It pairs very well with elaborate, long-cooked preparations such as stews, game, oven-roasted and grilled red meats.

I bid you farewell as always, wishing you nothing but the best.