Never heard of Aglianico wine? Not surprised. It is perhaps one of Italy’s best kept secrets, a wine that can rival in complexity with some of the most famous Italian denominations but comes at a fraction of the cost.
Aglianico is an indigenous grape, native to Southern Italy - widely grown in Campania and Basilicata regions – used to make excellent red wine. The three most famous Aglianico-based wines are Aglianico del Taburno DOCG and Taurasi DOCG, from Campania, Aglianico del Vulture DOCG, from neighboring region Basilicata.
All of these wines must be 100% Aglianico grapes: the winemaking is strictly disciplined to ensure the highest level of quality as established under DOCG protocol (Denomination of Origin, Controlled and Guaranteed).
Due to its subtle complexity, and due to the fact that grapes are grown on volcanic soils, some call “Aglianico del Vulture,” the Aglianico produced in Basilicata, the "Barolo of the South.”
Aglianico is ruby-red, nose with ripe red fruit, black cherry and a touch of spice, full bodied, good structure, smooth tannins and persistent finish.
Now that you know almost everything there is to know on Aglianico - just kidding - there is only one thing to do: try it!
Pair it with anything meat based; yes, Lasagna alla Bolognese is perfect!
I love this! I am excited to try wine from the Aglanico region!!!