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Exploring the Aglianico triangle

Its wines were once dubbed, simply, the ‘Barolos of the south’, but Aglianico, an ancient grape, is in fact hugely varied in its expression. An understanding of its nuances, and seductive heights, is aided by a mapping of its three principal territories.

Across Campania and Basilicata, the Aglianico grape dominates all serious wine discussion. Thick-skinned and capable of long ageing, it’s southern Italy’s leading red variety and deserves its place on the country’s fine wine scene.

For years it was lazily compared to Nebbiolo, its wines bearing misleading labels such as ‘the Barolo of the south’. Nevertheless, the association has gradually encouraged interest, and over the last decade growing trade support has led to more consumer exposure and a deeper understanding of the grape’s stylistic breadth.

Although a number of denominations permit its use, three have elevated Aglianico to DOCG status and celebrate its viticultural authority: Aglianico del Vulture Superiore, produced on the slopes of Monte Vulture in Basilicata; Taurasi in the province of Avellino in Campania; and Aglianico del Taburno, a small area in the province of Benevento, Campania, named after the nearby Taburno mountain.

Although other areas are improving fast, these three territories have traditionally provided the most important expressions of the grape’s potential.


Scroll down to see notes and scores for six sublime Aglianico wines



Caputo’s pick: Aglianico reds from the three top locations


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