Aglianico

Aglianico is one of Italy’s most prestigious red grape varieties, originally brought from Greece to southern Italy by ancient Greek settlers. Primarily cultivated in the Campania region - especially in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento - Aglianico has since expanded to neighboring regions such as Apulia, Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, where it continues to thrive.

Renowned for its affinity with volcanic soils, Aglianico produces some of southern Italy’s finest red wines, including the iconic Taurasi DOCG, often referred to as the "Barolo of the South" due to its structure and aging potential. The grape’s naturally high tannins and acidity make it ideal for long aging, with time spent in oak barrels helping to soften its bold structure and enhance its elegance.

The expansion of Aglianico cultivation has led to two distinct expressions of the grape:

- Aglianico, primarily grown in Campania, where it delivers deep, complex wines with dark fruit flavors and earthy undertones.
- Aglianico del Vulture, cultivated in Basilicata, where the volcanic soils of Mount Vulture contribute to its intense minerality and distinctive character.

Aglianico wines are known for their full bodied structure, firm tannins, and high acidity, giving them exceptional aging potential. In its youth, Aglianico can be quite tannic and concentrated, requiring a few years of bottle aging to develop its signature complexity. Over time, the fruit flavors - often dark cherry, plum, and blackberry - become more pronounced, while the tannins soften, resulting in a smoother, more refined wine.

Aglianico thrives in warm, dry climates and is a late ripening variety, often harvested as late as November. This extended growing season allows the grape to develop its bold flavors while maintaining its characteristic acidity, ensuring a balanced and structured final wine.