Grape Variety
Aglianico
"ah-LEE-ah-nee-koh"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Aglianico
Origin
Believed to have been introduced to Southern Italy by the ancient Greeks around the 7th century BC.
History
Prominent grape in Roman winemaking, particularly in the famed 'Falernian' wine of antiquity.
Appearance
Small, thick-skinned berries with a deep blue-black hue.
Growing Traits
A late-ripening variety, requiring a warm climate and volcanic soils to reach its full potential. Hardy and well-suited to high-altitude vineyards.
Wine Characteristics
Body
5/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
5/5
Acidity
5/5
Alcohol
4/5
Full-bodied with a robust and dense texture. Often described as the 'Barolo of the South' due to its structure and complexity. Dry, with no residual sugar. The wines are focused on savory and earthy characteristics rather than sweetness. High tannin levels, providing a firm and gripping structure. These tannins soften with age, making Aglianico wines great for long-term cellaring. High acidity, giving the wines a vibrant and refreshing backbone despite their full body. Moderate to high alcohol, typically ranging between 13% and 15%, contributing to the wine's warmth and boldness.
Taste Profile
Black Cherry
Plum
White Pepper
Smoke
Game
Aglianico wines are bold and savory with dark fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum, complemented by spicy white pepper, smokiness from volcanic soils, and meaty game-like undertones. The wine evolves with age to reveal earthy and leathery nuances.
Food Pairing
Aglianico pairs exceptionally well with rich and hearty dishes that can match its bold flavors and tannins. Ideal pairings include roasted or grilled meats like lamb, beef, and venison, as well as braised dishes and hearty stews. The wine's acidity complements tomato-based pasta sauces, while its tannins balance the richness of aged cheeses like Pecorino and Parmesan. Earthy dishes featuring truffles or mushrooms also work wonderfully with Aglianico's savory profile.
Growing Regions
Italy
Campania (Taurasi DOCG, Mount Vesuvius)Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture DOCG)PugliaMolise
United States
CaliforniaTexas
Australia
Warm-climate regions
Argentina
Small but growing plantings
Notable Wines & Producers
Taurasi DOCG (Campania)
Feudi di San Gregorio
Mastroberardino
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG (Basilicata)
Elena Fucci
Paternoster
Irpinia Aglianico DOC
Tenuta Cavalier Pepe
Terredora di Paolo
Aglianico FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Aglianico?
+
Believed to have been introduced to Southern Italy by the ancient Greeks around the 7th century BC.
Is Aglianico wine full bodied?
+
Aglianico has a body level of 5 out of 5. Which means that Aglianico is Full bodied.
Is Aglianico wine dry or sweet?
+
Aglianico has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Aglianico is Dry.
Where is Aglianico wine from?
+
Believed to have been introduced to Southern Italy by the ancient Greeks around the 7th century BC.
Where is Aglianico grown?
+
Aglianico is grown in Italy (Campania (Taurasi DOCG, Mount Vesuvius), Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture DOCG), Puglia, Molise)United States (California, Texas)Australia (Warm-climate regions)Argentina (Small but growing plantings).
What is Aglianico like?
+
Aglianico wines are bold and savory with dark fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum, complemented by spicy white pepper, smokiness from volcanic soils, and meaty game-like undertones. The wine evolves with age to reveal earthy and leathery nuances.
What does Aglianico pair with?
+
Aglianico pairs exceptionally well with rich and hearty dishes that can match its bold flavors and tannins. Ideal pairings include roasted or grilled meats like lamb, beef, and venison, as well as braised dishes and hearty stews. The wine's acidity complements tomato-based pasta sauces, while its tannins balance the richness of aged cheeses like Pecorino and Parmesan. Earthy dishes featuring truffles or mushrooms also work wonderfully with Aglianico's savory profile.
What does Aglianico taste like?
+
Aglianico wines are bold and savory with dark fruit flavors such as black cherry and plum, complemented by spicy white pepper, smokiness from volcanic soils, and meaty game-like undertones. The wine evolves with age to reveal earthy and leathery nuances.
Take Aglianico Knowledge with You
Access detailed grape profiles, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions on your iPhone.
Download on theApp Store