Welcome to Naples, the city of a thousand colors, where Aglianico wine is at home.

A tarallo cookie, a glass of Aglianico wine, a breathtaking view. Perfect time for the happy hour.
When in Naples you cannot miss this appointment with the beauty and relaxation. Simply looking out at the San Martino viewpoint, you can understand why Naples is a dream-city.

An historical vine.

Firstly, this is one of the oldest varieties of the Enotria, typical of southern Italy.
Probably of Greek origin, the Aglianico grape found in Campania its perfect environment.
Especially in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento.
The volcanic soils, in fact, give this vine nutrients that we can taste in the wine glass.
A grape that prefers hilly and windy altitudes.

The Aglianico grape.

Its clusters are oblong, the berries are small with a thick black-blue pruinose skin. Thanks to the considerable quantity of anthocyanins, it is suitable for the production of rosé wines.
The anthocyanins are, to clarify, the components of the color of the grape skin.
When vinified in white, the Aglianico grape gives life to delicious sparkling versions.
In the passito version, the Aglianico gives very pleasant sweet wines.
The hardness of the tannin, balances perfectly sugar and alcohol, indeed.

Aromas and structure.

The Aglianico wine, vinified in purity, it has well-recognizable characteristics. The color is deep ruby ​​red, rich in perfume, fruity on the nose. Cherry, morello cherry, black cherry, blackberry, plum and violet. It is tannic and full-bodied.
When aged in wood, it adds to the varietal aromas. The spicy notes are reminiscent of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, mace, licorice, leather, chocolate and cinnamon. Also balsamic notes are often present.
In the Riserva version, the refinement exceeds 12 months in cask.
The colors change from ruby ​​red to garnet. The aromas turn wide. The fruitiness becomes sweeter, of fruit in jam.
In conclusion, depending on the type of wood and duration of aging, there will be spice notes. Leather and tobacco leaves scents. 

Taurasi, the regal expression of Aglianico.

Great Southern reds are produced with Aglianico: Taurasi DOCG (Campania), Vulture Superiore DOCG, Taburno DOCG.
Among other things, Taurasi was the first southern wine to receive the Guaranteed appellation in 1993.
Taurasi is such if aged at least three years after the harvest, of which at least one year in wooden barrels.
The Riserva, on the other hand, requires at least four years of aging, of which at least 18 months in cask.
Various DOC and IGT are produced with this precious vine.

A difficult vine.

Thanks to its chemical composition, the wine from Aglianico grape has a significant percentage of tannin.
This makes it ideal for aging, especially in wood. With aging, the hard components of the wine are smoothed, giving finesse and harmony. It is therefore a difficult vine to manage.
That is why,if governed with art, the aglianico is vibrant and surprising. Moreover, it is a vigorous vine, which must be managed carefully.
There are two main varieties of Aglianico, of Taurasi in Campania and of Vulture in Basilicata.
Same DNA but completely different expression despite both areas having volcanic soils.

The Aglianico of Irpinia

The expression of the grape is different in the Taburno area in Irpinia.
The latter has marly soils. In fact, the territory is mountainous and hilly, rich in rivers and streams. Wooded and covered with chestnut, beech and oak forests.
The soil is calcareous on the surface, which gives more floral aromas to the wines.
In depth it is marly, which favors the structure and longevity to the aglianico from this area.
The climate is also different, with strong temperature variations, mild summers and harsh winters.
The Aglianico from this area is full bodied but elegant.

Aglianico pairs beautifully with food.

The Aglianico wine is an excellent pairing with meat. Amzing with grilled or roasted meat. A complex wine which requires dishes with great structure. Even the game meat finds an ally in the roundness of the wine. Special cured meats based on wild boar or deer. Duck or pheasant. Also meat dishes with red fruits such as Thanksgiving turkey, pork with plums, mixed cheeses.
The passito version matches amazingly with blueberry or chocolate biscuits.

Wineries to try

Among the best producers of Aglianico we can mention the cellars Quintodecimo, Viticoltori De Concilis, Verrone Viticoltori, Antonio Caggiano, Tempa di Zoe, Villa Matilde, Colle di San Domenico, Mastroberardino, Feudi di San Gregorio.

Did you know? we organize one day food tours of Naples. Contact us for info