27 Nov Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Vented Fermentation 2021 Queen & Boots Aglianico, Paso Robles

Aglianico, often called the “Barolo of the South”,  is an Italian grape that is grown mainly in Basilicata and Campania. But there is a small amount grown in California, 73 acres planted to be exact. And one winemaker sourcing from some of those 73 acres is Mitchell McMinn, the winemaker of Vented Fermentation which produces three wines, all made with Aglianico. While Aglianico typically produces full-bodied, tannic, and acidic wines, the Vented Fermentation 2021 Queen & Boots Aglianico is a light red wine, and that is why it is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Vented Fermentation

Mitchell McMinn works at the winery Field Recordings in Paso Robles. But as a side project, he started his own label, Vented Fermentation. The name came from the idea that when filling or emptying a tank, the tank must be “vented” to prevent an explosion or implosion— similar to a juice box. And for Mitchell, it also is a term that represents “the idea that one should be calm and collected in a cellar, while also remaining creatively open to new ideas.”

And Mitchell’s creative idea is to work with Aglianico, and only Aglianico (at least for now). But Mitchell does not make just one wine. He makes three wines from Aglianico. There is the Donkey Wand Rosè of Aglianico and the Because It Must Sparkling Piquette of Aglianico. And in honor of his grandparents, he made the Queen & Boots, a light red wine.

Tasting Notes

Fermented in French oak, the wine has notes of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry. Unlike Italian Aglianico, this California Aglianico is a lighter-bodied red wine with soft tannins and fresh acidity. It is ready to drink and a very approachable.

Food Pairing

As a lighter red wine with soft tannins, the Vented Fermentations Aglianico is a very food friendly wine. I enjoyed this wine with Eggplant Parmigiano and because of the soft tannins, it paired perfectly with the fresh tomato sauce and bitter eggplant notes.

Where To Purchase

The Vented Fermentation 2021 Queen & Boots Aglianico retails for $25. And if you are interested in trying it, or the Donkey Wand Rosè of Aglianico ($20) or the Because It Must Sparkling Piquette ($10), you will have to contact Mitchell directly via email mitchellrmcminn@gmail.com or phone (408)394-6577 and you can find him at Field Recordings.