Description

Who here knows knows a lot about grape variety Aglianico? Not me that is for sure. My favourite Italian wine reference book “The New Italy” tells me that it was introduced by the Greeks into Campania and it spread to Basilicata and Puglia. It makes full bodied, well structured and generous wines that age gracefully. It highlights Taurasi DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOC as two examples to watch out for.
Being from the Southern regions of Italy I was not expecting elegance and finesse like Barolo or Barbaresco, or the lightness of fruit but density and savoury core of Chianti. But my favourite tasting reference – my palate – tells me it is a substantially good variety. Very reminiscent of good quality Australian warm climate Shiraz in terms of weight, balance and structure. But with the more typical Italian savouriness, texture and refreshing acidity.
Having bought some for a customer I tried some myself, here is what I thought.

This was the only Aglianico not from Taurasi that I tasted. I found it to be the most straight forward, round and soft of the four Aglianicos, but it was also the cheapest. It showed lovely dark fruits and plums, a hint of chocolate and plenty of body. It was incredibly enjoyable and was awarded Tri Bichieri (Three Glasses) in the Gamberro Rosso – a much respected Italian wine guide (to put it simply).

Aglianico –  Often called the Barolo of the South. It was introduced by the Greeks into Campania and it spread to Basilicata and Puglia. It makes full bodied, well structured and generous wines that age gracefully. Taurasi DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOC as the two quality leading regions for this grape.

Campania – One of the truly great regions of the South and steeped in wine history. Fiano di Avellino, Sannio, Taurasi and Greco di Tufo are all appellations that should be household names as they were in the distant past. These sun baked vineyards offer so much to wine lovers.