Aglianico

Aglianico is a red grape variety originated in Greece and was brought to the south of Italy by Greek settlers mainly in Campania, in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento, but its cultivation has expanded in the nearby regions of Apulia, Abruzzo, Latium and Molise.

The Aglianico grape prefers volcanic soils, where it gives the best results, and produces some of the greatest southern Italian wines, amongst them the Taurasi. The wines obtained from Aglianico are suitable for aging and the aging in wood tend to smooth the tannins of young wines giving elegance to the wine

The spread of the grape has created two varietals, the Aglianico, grown primarily in Campania, and the Aglianico del Vulture grown in Basilicata.

Wines made with Aglianico tend to be full bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, giving them good ageing potential. In its youth, the Aglianico is very tannic and concentrated, requiring a few years of ageing before it becomes approachable, as it ages, the fruit becomes more pronounced and the tannins soften.
Aglianico vines prefer warm, dry conditions and it ripens late.