Aglianico

Aglianico is a well-known red grape variety grown mainly in Campania, Basilicata, Puglia and Molise. The vine has been introduced in recent years in California and Australia, given that it grows in predominantly sunny climates. It is often called the Barolo of the South, due to characteristics in common with the Piedmontese vine. It is an ancient vine, probably originating from Greece and introduced into Italy around the 7th-6th century BC. One of the many testimonies of its long history is the discovery of the remains of a Roman press in the area of ​​Rionero in Vulture, province of Potenza. There is no certainty about the origins of the name, which could date back to the ancient city of Elea (Eleanico), on the Tyrrhenian coast of Campania, or be more simply a corruption of the word Ellenico. Historical-literary testimonies on the presence of this vine can be found in Horace, who sang the qualities of his native land Venosa and its excellent wine. According to others, the original name does not derive from Elleanico or Ellenico which then became Aglianico during the Aragonese domination during the 15th century, due to the double l pronounced gli in Spanish phonetic use but from the suffix "anicus" which in Latin indicates belonging to something and from the term "llano" which in Spanish means plain, so Aglianico is nothing other than the wine of the plain. It is a great red wine, extremely elegant, structured, tannic, full-bodied and suitable for challenging the years with glorious aging. For those who know how to wait, Aglianico is a wine that offers emotions, an elegance that evolves, perfects itself, full of complex aromas, all surrounded by always vigorous tannins. The refinement in wood is usually carried out in large oak barrels, but the use of barriques is also common. The color is purple in the younger vintages, but with the years it tends to ruby ​​and then garnet with orange reflections. With this aggressiveness and these powerful tannins it is a wine that pairs perfectly with strong dishes, such as grilled meat, baked pasta, risotto and mature cheeses.