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.