The Aglianico
Grape
Aglianico is a black grape grown in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Basilicata and Campania. The grape is known for producing full-bodied red wines that are rich in tannins and acidity, which contribute to the wine's aging potential. Aglianico wines often have flavors and aromas of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices. The grape is believed to have been brought to Italy by the Greeks in the early period of Italian wine history, making it one of the oldest cultivated varieties in the country. Taurasi and Aglianico del Vulture are among the most prestigious wines made from this grape.
Aglianico
Grape History
Aglianico is an ancient black grape variety believed to have originated in Greece and brought to southern Italy by Greek settlers. The name "Aglianico" is thought to be a corruption of the word "Hellenic," indicating its Greek origins. This grape has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is renowned for producing complex, age-worthy red wines with great aging potential.
The Aglianico grape is known for its thick skin and high levels of acidity and tannins, making it particularly well-suited for crafting structured, long-lived wines. It is often referred to as the "Barolo of the South" due to its similarities to the Nebbiolo grape, which is used to make the famed Barolo wines of northern Italy.
Aglianico is primarily grown in the southern Italian regions of Campania and Basilicata, with notable plantings in the subregions of Taurasi and Aglianico del Vulture, respectively. These areas have a long winemaking tradition and provide ideal conditions for the Aglianico grape to thrive, with their volcanic soils and warm Mediterranean climate.
Wines made from Aglianico are typically full-bodied, deeply colored, and characterized by flavors of dark fruit, earth, and spice. They often exhibit firm tannins and high acidity, making them excellent candidates for aging. Some of the most famous Aglianico wines include Taurasi DOCG from Campania and Aglianico del Vulture DOCG from Basilicata.
In recent years, Aglianico has been gaining recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts and critics worldwide. Its unique characteristics and bold flavors have attracted a growing number of consumers who appreciate its depth and complexity. As a result, more winemakers are investing in Aglianico vineyards, and the grape is increasingly being planted in other wine regions both in Italy and abroad.
With its long history, exceptional quality, and increasing global recognition, Aglianico is poised to have a bright future in the world of wine. As consumers continue to seek out distinctive and terroir-driven wines, the allure of Aglianico and its ability to produce age-worthy, complex wines is likely to propel it further into the spotlight. Whether enjoyed in its youth or after years of aging, Aglianico wines offer a unique and unforgettable tasting experience for wine lovers around the world.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel