Aglianico is one of the great red grape varieties of southern Italy, associated above all with Campania and Basilicata. Its history is ancient, and tradition attributes its introduction to the Greeks of Magna Graecia; even the name has been traced back to ‘Hellenic’, although its etymological origin remains complex. Today, it is the star of prestigious wines such as Taurasi, Aglianico del Taburno and Aglianico del Vulture Superiore.
From an ampelographic perspective, it has medium-sized leaves, generally orbicular or cuneiform in shape, with three or five lobes, a tomentose underside and an open petiole sinus. The bunch is medium-sized, cylindrical or conical, often winged and of varying compactness. The berry, spherical or slightly oval, has a thick, firm and heavily pruinose skin, deep blue in colour, with juicy flesh and a clean, slightly tart flavour. It ripens late, a characteristic that promotes full aromatic and polyphenolic concentration.
The wines produced are a deep ruby red, tending towards garnet as they age, with aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry accompanied by violet, liquorice and spices. On the palate, they are full-bodied, structured and fresh, underpinned by a substantial tannic framework that is destined to harmonise with time. Their natural acidity and rich extract make them long-lived wines, capable of developing complexity and refined tertiary notes during ageing.
