Grape · Campania / Basilicata, Italy
Aglianico
ah-LYAH-nee-ko
The Barolo of the south
Campania and Basilicata's great red: volcanic, tannic, high-acid, and built for the cellar. Taurasi and Aglianico del Vulture are the names to know.
- black cherry
- smoke
- leather
- dried herbs
- iron
Profile
Bodyhigh
Acidhigh
Tanninhigh
Sugardry
Aglianico ripens late on volcanic slopes. Young Taurasi can be as forbidding as young Barolo — then ten years on it is roses, tar, and ash with a southern warmth Nebbiolo never quite has.
Vulture, on extinct-volcano soils in Basilicata, is often the smarter buy: same grape, less hype, serious bones.
Braised meats, aged pecorino, and mushrooms. Decant. Do not serve it young without food.
At the table
Service
61–64 °F (16–18 °C). Decant young wines 1–2 hours.
