Aglianico is a black grape native to Southern Italy. The variety is most famous for the wines it produces in the region of Campania and Basilicata.

Wines made from the Aglianico grape were virtually unknown to much of the world just 25 years ago. They have made great progress since! They are becoming more appreciated now with structure, live acidity, and the ability to age and evolve!

The most notable thing about Aglianico is its pronounced savory notes. Expect to get hints of cured and smoked meats, game and pepper, along with sweeter notes such as black cherry, plum, and other tart berries. To match the robust savory notes, the wine is full bodied with a high amount of tannin.

A few more notes on Aglianico:

• It’s concentrated and complex: general aging requires 3-5 years to soften its tannic structure!
• Given that the grape has so much tannin and acidity, it easily holds up to new oak aging and modern winemaking. These winemaking techniques tame the grape’s wildness and create a chocolatey, ripe, red wine
• Some producers make it into a much fresher easy to drink style with more red fruit and floral notes, but the acidity and tannin remain
  

The following guide will illustrate what Aglianico often tastes like (aroma, flavor, and structure). It will also tell you where it’s from, provide you with common food recommendations, similar varieties, and let you know why you should be drinking more of it!

These are the most familiar tastes and aromas I typically find in a glass of Aglianico. It’s also common to find blueberry, violets, licorice, truffle, cedar, tobacco, and leather, notes, depending on how it’s made and if it’s blended with other grapes. 

Remember, wine tastes are somewhat relative. There may be some different tasting notes you consistently find while drinking Aglianico.

Grown in the region of Southern Italy, these grape vines tend to grow best in dry soils with lots of sunshine and tend to bud early and ripen late!

The Campania area encompasses, Naples, ruins of Pompei, Capri, Blue Grotto, and the Amalfi Coast. These areas have soils of volcanic origin that result in dark and concentrated wines that are quite age-worthy. Taurasi is the most notable DOCG for quality.

In Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture is a benchmark region for the grape, where its volcanic soils also lend to deep expressive examples that age well.

You may also find Aglianico in other areas of Italy, such as Puglia, as well as Australia, California, and Texas; all warm climates that offer similar growing environments. 

Other pairings: lamb, pasta, pizza, Mexican fare.