Irpinia Aglianico is a full-bodied red wine from the Irpinia region in Campania, Italy. It is made from the Aglianico grape variety, an ancient and noble variety that has been grown in the region for centuries. The name of this wine is derived from the Greek settlers who brought the Aglianico grape to this part of Italy.
The grapes are grown on steep hillsides in the soils of volcanic ash and clay which gives Irpinia Aglianico its unique character. This terroir povides ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines with intense aromas and flavors.
The color of Irpinia Aglianico is ruby red with purple hues, whle its nose offers aromas of dried fruits such as prunes and figs, dark chocolate, licorice, and spice. On the palate, it has a velvety texture with notes of blackberries and cherries mixed with earthy tones such as leather and tobacco. The finish is long and persistent with hints of sweet spices like cinnamon and clove lingering on the tongue.
Irpinia Aglianico can be enjoyed now but also has great aging potential of up to 10 years or more when stored properly. It pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats such as lamb, beef or venison, game dishes like wild boar ragout or rabbit stew, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano, and rich pasta dishes such as lasagna Bolognese.
Overall, Irpinia Aglianico is an excellent exmple of Italian winemaking that combines tradition and modernity to create a truly unique expression of terroir. Its intense flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of foods making it an excellent choice for any occasion whether you're looking for something special to pair with your dinner or simply enjoying a glass by itself.
The Characteristics of Aglianico Wine
Aglianico is a full-bodied red wine with a long history and deep roots in Southern Italy. It's native to the regions of Campania and Basilicata and has been cultivated since ancient times. Its intense, earthy flavor profile is characterized by notes of black cherry, fig, licorice, tar and leather. The wine is known for its deep color and robust tannins that can be softened over time with aging. Aglianico also has remarkable aging potential and can develop complex aromas of tobacco, dried fruit, spice and game after severl years in bottle. This classic Italian variety pairs well with rich dishes like lasagna or aged cheeses.
The Meaning of Aglianico in Italian
In Italian, Aglianico means “the Greek grape”. The name is derived from the Latin Vitis hellenica, meaning “Greek vine”. This black grape is native to Greece and was introduced to Campania by settlers during ancient times. Today, it is mostly grown in the southern regions of Italy where it produces full-bodied wines with intense aromas and flavors.
Tasting Notes of Aglianico Wine
Aglianico is a bold and complex varietal that exhibits a range of flavors and aromas. On the nose, it can present with leathery and earthy notes, as well as subtle florals and red berry aromas. On the palate, it is usualy quite acidic and tannic, yet can still reach high levels of ripeness and alcohol. Flavors include smoky notes, ferrous tones, red fruits such as cranberry or raspberry, and sometimes even hints of tobacco or dark chocolate.
The Sweetness of Aglianico Wine
Aglianico wine is typically dry. The thick-skinned black grape produces full-bodied wines with low sugar levels, resulting in a dry, robust flavor profile. The aroma and flavor notes of Aglianico include pepper, black cherry, game, spice, and plum. It is usualy best enjoyed without any added sweetness.
Similarity of Aglianico Grape to Other Grapes
Aglianico is a red grape variety that is closely relatd to some of the most renowned Italian varieties, such as Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. It has been described as “The Barolo of the South” due to its ability to produce fine wines with complex structure and flavor, similar to those produced in Piedmont's Barolo region. Aglianico has also been compared to other Italian varieties such as Barbera, Montepulciano, Primitivo and Nero d'Avola. It shares many characteristics with these grapes, including a deep color and intense aromas. The unique flavors of Aglianico can be attributed to its high acidity levels and firm tannins. This makes it an ideal variety for aging in oak barrels or for blending with other varieties, allowing producers to create wines with a distinct character.
The Aging Potential of Aglianico Wine
Yes, Aglianico wine is known for its excellent ageing potential. It is a full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity, which contribute to its longevity in the cellar. When aged, Aglianico develops complex aromas and flavors of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and earthy minerals. With proper cellaring techniques, it can age for upwards of 10 to 15 years or more.
Conclusion
Irpinia Aglianico is a full-bodied red wine from Italy's southern region of Campania. It is made from the black grape Aglianico, which has its origins in Greece and was brought to Campania by Greek settlers. Irpinia Aglianico has intense, persistent, dry and savory flavors, with hints of sweet spices, licorice, rhubarb and tobacco. It is characterized by its high acidity and tannins as well as its relatively high ripeness and alcohol levels. The flavor profile of Irpinia Aglianico makes it an ideal pairing for a variety of white and red meat dishes. With aging, the slightly bitter aftertaste becmes more balanced, making this an excellent wine to enjoy with a meal or on its own.
