Aglianico is one of the great grapes of southern Italy — the most important red variety of Campania and Basilicata. And until I tasted two first-rate examples from the relatively obscure Molise, I hadn’t realized that the hearty Aglianico is also the signature red grape of that region. If you haven’t tried Aglianico, it should be on your radar if you like bigger, full-flavored, and well-structured red wines. Many of the wines in both Campania and Basilicata are rooted in volcanic soils, so you’ll find plenty of minerality on the nose and palate. The variety is known for its deep color, concentrated dark and red fruit notes, tannic grip, and, in the better wines, ageability.
Though delicious now, this Taurasi Aglianico will develop for years in the bottle. It’s dominated by concentrated black fruit aromas and flavors along with herbs, unsweetened chocolate, and tobacco hints. The chalky tannins are fairly aggressive at this point but will settle down with aeration and time.
Excerpt Taken From: Vine Pair
Author: Edward Deitch
