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Italian wine Aglianico (Aglianico) is produced from the grape variety of the same name almost exclusively in the south of the country, in the Campania and Basilicata regions. Young samples of this red full-bodied wine are distinguished by piquant taste with notes of leather, white pepper, dark fruits and corned beef. With aging, the variety reveals a “dusty” flavor, nuances of dried figs and sun-tanned leather. Aglianico is popular among lovers of “village” wines with a pronounced character.
If Nebbiolo is considered the king of Northern Italy, then Aglianico reigns in the south. Closes the “top three” Italian wines Sangiovese.
History
There is no exact data on the origin of the variety, or at least its name, yet. Greece is traditionally considered the birthplace of the vine, and according to the official version, this grape came to the territory of modern Italy in the XNUMXth century BC. However, DNA analysis does not confirm this theory, since Aglianico is not related to any of the autochthonous Greek varieties.
The first documented mention of this wine dates back to 1520.
Variety description
Aglianico vines set early and ripen late, and are best suited to dry, sunny climates. These grapes resist powdery mildew well, but are susceptible to some other diseases, such as “noble rot”. Since the variety is too tannic and not suitable for the production of dessert wines, this feature is its disadvantage, not its advantage.
Wine characteristics
A complete list of all the flavors of the wine includes: white pepper, peppercorns, black cherry, blueberries, blackberries, black plums, dried cranberries, dried raspberries, wild strawberries, black truffles, soil, young shrubs, mushroom broth, salted meat, smoked meat, leather, game, smoke, cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon, ashes, cedar, tobacco, cigarette case, incense, resin, coffee, licorice, dried oregano, dried rose.
Aglianico wine is very tannic, with high acidity and strength. The real character of the drink appears only after 10 years of aging, sommeliers recommend purchasing samples aged 20 years and older. Over time, the tannins soften, and the acidity decreases, the drink becomes more fruity and sweet, notes of dried fruits, smoke, and spices clearly appear.
Some modern producers make Aglianico a relatively light and fresh wine with much less tannins and lower acidity. Such a “new” Aglianico can not be sustained for decades, it is more democratic – but also less valuable.
How to drink Aglianico
Aglianico makes a good gastronomic pair with meat dishes, spicy and spicy foods, fatty and high-calorie foods. It is recommended to serve this wine with pork ribs, steaks, goulash, Cheddar cheese, garlic dishes, baked beans, various stews, etc.
Production regions
The Aglianico variety is found in several regions of Italy, but the production of the wine of the same name is concentrated in two: Campania and Basilicata. They are divided into three DOCG zones, each of which has its own unique character and terroir, and the rules for making Aglianico wine also depend on the appellation.
All three zones have one thing in common – volcanic soil.
- Taurasi. Wine Aglianico must consist of at least 85% of the grapes of the same name, blending is allowed only with the autochthonous Piedirosso variety. The wines of this appellation are distinguished by a pronounced floral profile, in which notes of rose and cherry stand out in particular.
- Aglianico del Taburno. In the local Aglianico, no impurities are allowed, but the wine itself with notes of leather, earth, dried herbs, dark fruits.
- Aglianico del Vulture. The XNUMX% Aglianico is also produced here, with hints of plums, berries and spices. The local wine is very tannic, with a distinct earthy flavor and notes of coffee.
In Campania, Aglianico berries are blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The resulting table wines, of course, are not called Aglianico, but they acquire a richer taste and aroma.
In addition to Italy, Aglianico is produced in small quantities in the USA and Australia.
Famous wine brands Aglianico
Сомелье рекомендуют попробовать следующие бренды: Vineyards of Vulture Piano del Cerro Aglianico del Vulture Reserve, Bisceglia Gudarra Aglianico del Vulture, Villa Matilde Riserva Tenuta di Altavilla Taurasi DOCGG.