A Tour of Wine Grapes: Aglianico

Image from Alexis Kreyder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Aglianico 🍷

Aglianico (ahl-YAH-nee-koh) is a red wine grape that is thought to be native to southern Italy. Originally, it was thought that Aglianico was from Greece. Its name is actually a derivation of the word "Hellenic" meaning Greek. But, recent DNA studies, as well as etymological and historical research, suggest this grape is native to southern Italy.

Campania's Taurasi and Basilicata's Aglianico del Vulture in Italy are two of the best known appellations that grow this variety.

Aglianico is unusual in that it ripens extremely late—sometimes not until late October or even November.

Wines made from the Aglianico grape are a deep ruby-purple color when young. They have flavors that include black cherry, blackberry and plum with aromas of leather, smoke and tobacco.

Aglianico are full-bodied, high in tannin, high in acidity, and have very low sweetness.

These wines can be aged 10 to 20-plus years.

Young Aglianico wines (0-5 years) should be decanted for as much as 2-4 hours, a mid-aged wine (5-10 years) for 1-2 hours and a 10-15 year old wine for 30 to 60 minutes.

Behind the Cork™ - Olarra Classico Gran Reserva Rioja

2016 Olarra Classico Gran Reserva Rioja ($30)

Olarra Clásico Gran Reserva 2016 is a well-regarded Spanish red wine from the Rioja region of Spain.

With a history dating back 50 years, Bodegas Olarra base their wines on the ideal selection of the raw material, on the traditional winemaking methods which have been adapted to modern times and the evolution of their wines to the tastes of the consumer.

The third generation of the Bodegas Olarra family is made up of three committed young winemakers who are totally wrapped up in the production of great Rioja wines — Pedro Limousin Ucín, Marcial Zapke Ucín and Luis Limousin Ucín.

This Gran Reserva (meaning it spent a minimum of 2 years in oak and minimum of 3 years in the bottle) is produced from 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Granacha and 5% Graciano. At it’s 9-year mark, it’s definitely showing its age with its tawny color. On the nose, there is black fruit and sweet tobacco. On the palate, it has flavors of black cherry and fig. It finishes spicy and nutty (from aging oxidation).

This 2016 Olarra Clásico Gran Reserva Rioja may be at its peak after nine-plus years. So, if you get an opportunity to try it, it’s well worth the experience. It’s this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

A Tour of Wine Grapes: Alicante Bouschet

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Alicante Bouschet 🍷

Alicante Bouschet (ally-can-tay boo-shey) was created in 1866 by botanist Henri Bouschet when he crossed Granacha with Petit Bouschet in Southern France.

This grape is unique in that both the skins and the flesh are red, yielding red juice (most red grapes produce clear juice).

Nearly half of all Alicante Bouschet is grown in Spain while France, Chile, Portugal and several other European countries and the U.S. grow small percentages.

Wines made from Alicante Bouschet can have smokey, sweet aromas including sweet tobacco. On the palate, the flavors include black cherry, blackberry, black plum, and black pepper.

The wines are typically full-bodied, are medium-high in tannin, with medium to high acidity, and very low sweetness levels.

Alicante Bouschet can be aged in the bottle for 5 to 7 years.

Decant young Alicante Bouschet wines for 1-2 hours while an older wine (5+ years) should be decanted at least 30 minutes before serving in a large red wine glass at 60-65 °F.

Behind the Cork™ - Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir

2022 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir ($22)

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir is blended from some of the region’s top vineyards. The Rochioli and Bacigalupi vineyards are in the Middle Reach subdivision, where close proximity to the river awards foggy mornings, warm and sunny days, and cool nights. The Toboni vineyard is in the Santa Rosa Plain, a distinctly cooler and foggier sub-region, while the Hallberg and McDonald Mountain Vineyards, located within the Green Valley and Sebastopol Hills neighborhoods, exhibits even more extreme cool climate conditions.

This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are hand sorted. Some of the grapes were de-stemmed and then transferred to small, open-top tanks where a small percentage of whole cluster fruit was added. It underwent malolactic conversion and was aged in 35% new French oak barrels for nine months on primary lees.

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir is a medium ruby red in color with nice, bright red fruit aromas. On the palate, this medium-bodied Pinot Noir has flavors of sour cherry and cranberry.

Gary Farrell is a top Russian River producer of Pinot Noir. And, at this price, an amazing value. A perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!