The Wine Reference🍷 SupportAglianico grape
Aglianico is a red grape known for black cherry, plum, smoke. Its best-known homes are Campania, Basilicata.
Origin and history
An ancient southern Italian variety; the long-told story of Greek origins is unproven, and the name is first recorded only in the 16th century.
Where it grows
Campania (Taurasi DOCG, Aglianico del Taburno, Irpinia), Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture) and Puglia; small plantings in Australia and California.
Structure
Full body, deep colour, high acidity and very high, firm tannins; often called the 'Barolo of the South'.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black cherry, plum, black pepper, smoke and violets. With age: leather, tar, tobacco, earth and dried cherry.
Ageing
Taurasi and Vulture Superiore need 5–10 years and can age 20–30.
Good to know
It is one of Italy's latest-ripening grapes, often picked in November on the volcanic slopes of Monte Vulture and in Irpinia.
Wine regions for Aglianico
Aglianico wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici
Campania · Taurasi · Aglianico
Firm and dark: black cherry, smoke, leather and high acidity.
Food: Lamb, aged provolone
Di Majo Norante Contado Aglianico
Southern Aglianico: dark cherry, smoke and earthy spice with firm grip.
Food: Lamb chops, sausages, aged cheese
Elena Fucci Titolo
Basilicata · Aglianico del Vulture · Aglianico
Volcanic Aglianico: black cherry, plum, smoke and fine, firm tannins.
Food: Braised lamb, mushroom dishes, game
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico
Campania · Irpinia · Aglianico
Old-vine Aglianico: dark fruit, smoke and firm tannins.
Food: Lamb, braised beef
Paternoster Don Anselmo Aglianico del Vulture
Basilicata · Aglianico del Vulture · Aglianico
Volcanic Aglianico: black cherry, earth and grip.
Food: Game, lamb
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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