Aglianico

Aglianico is a variety native to Southern Italy, best known to be grown in the regions of Campania and Basilicata. It also scattered in other Southern Italian wine regions such as Puglia, Molise, Calabria and Sicily. Outside Italy, thanks to its fondness of warm and dry conditions, it was introduced to California and Australia. Aglianico is a late-ripening variety, and its vines are known to be particularly susceptible to drought and other adverse weather conditions. It is typically harvested in late October. It is usually vinified with extended maceration, and aged in barrels or large oak casks. The most notable Aglianico wines are Taurasi DOCG in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture DOC in Basilicata. In Campania, Aglianico is often blended with other grape varieties, resulting in a lighter, more approachable style for most IGT and DOC wines. The finest Taurasi DOCG is, however, rich and robust, full in body with good acidity and firm tannins. Those wines have great aging potential and are often referred to as "the Barolo of the South". In Basilicata, it is often made as a single-varietal. Due to the volcanic soil of Mount Vulture, the wines shows less ripe fruit characters but more mineral notes. Aglianico is a versatile variety, and its robust tannins and complex aromas make it a great choice for food pairing. It goes well with red meats, game, aged cheeses, roasted vegetables and dark chocolate.