Two wines from Azienda Agricola Casa di Baal are available for purchase in Boston. I recommend that you give them a try and share your views. Now for some background information on Casa di Baal, http://www.casadibaal.it.
Casa di Baal is a family owned and operated winery located in Montecorvino, Salerno, about 20 miles east of the City of Salerno and near the Parco Regionale Monti Picentini. The winery, which produces about 25,000 bottles per year and is certified organic, originated in 1977 when Annibale Salerno’s father purchased 30 hectares of land less than one mile from where Annibale was raised. Annibale had to smooth out hills so that the land could be used for farming and dig a well over 150 meters deep to provide a
steady flow of water to olive trees. Of the 30 hectares only 4 are dedicated for the cultivation of grapes; the balance of 26 hectares are used to cultivate olives, vegetables, fruit, and honey. The farm produces approximately 30,000 liters of olive oil per year, all for private customers.
In 2006 Annibale and his family decided to make their wine available to the public. Under the guidance of wine consultant Gennaro Reale of Vigna Viva, http://www.vignaviva.com, Casa di Baal produces five wines. I have purchased two in the
USA, Aglianico di Baal and Fiano di Baal. Aglianico di Baal is made with 100% aglianico grape. The grapes ferment and the wine ages for about four to five months in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then transferred to medium sized oak barrels to age for about another 12 months. After 8 months in the bottle Aglianico di Baal is released for sale. Fiano di Baal, made with 100% fiano grape, ages between 6 to 9 months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. After about 6 months in the bottle, Fiano di Baal is released for sale.
Annibale, his wife Anna, and five children all work at the farm. Josephine, the oldest, is responsible for distribution, Mario is charge of olive oil production, Nadia is the “jack of all trades”, Francesca oversees the wine production, and Laura is responsible for public relations. Last year during our visit, Annibale, Francesca, and Francesca’s cousin Serena gave us a tour of the 30 acre estate, including the area for olive oil production. We then relaxed under a large shade tree for a tasting of their wines paired with cured meats and cheese prepared by Anna. The Salerno family was most engaging and showered us with “Southern Hospitality”.
I have purchased Fiano di Baal and Aglianico di Baal by contacting Mucci Imports (http://mucciimports.com) who makes arrangements for delivery by Federal Wine and Spirits, Boston, MA (http://www.federalwine.com).
