Aglianico: The King of Southern Italian Reds

When it comes to Italy’s great red wines, regions like Piedmont and Tuscany often steal the spotlight. However, in the sun-drenched south, Aglianico reigns supreme. Often referred to as the "Barolo of the South," this bold and complex grape produces some of Italy’s most age-worthy wines. Found primarily in Campania and Basilicata, Aglianico is the foundation of wines like Taurasi DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOCG.

A Glimpse into History

Aglianico’s origins date back to ancient Greece, with some historians believing the name derives from "Hellenico," meaning Greek. The grape was widely cultivated by the Romans and used in the famed Falernian wine, one of antiquity’s most celebrated drinks.

Characteristics of Aglianico

Aglianico is a late-ripening variety, thriving in warm climates with volcanic soils. The resulting wines are typically deep in color, full-bodied, and highly tannic, with flavors of blackberry, plum, leather, tobacco, and earthy spices. With time, these bold tannins soften, revealing layers of complexity and elegance.

Food Pairings

Aglianico’s structure makes it an ideal match for rich, hearty dishes. Pair it with:

Braised meats like osso buco
Aged cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
Traditional Campanian dishes like ragù Napoletano

Taurasi: Why This Southern Italian Red is a Collector’s Wine

If Barolo is the king of the north, Taurasi is undoubtedly the king of the south. Made from 100% Aglianico, Taurasi is one of Italy’s most prestigious and long-lived red wines. It was the first wine from southern Italy to achieve DOCG status in 1993, cementing its place among Italy’s elite wines.

Taurasi’s Unique Terroir

Taurasi is produced in the province of Avellino, in Campania’s Irpinia region. The combination of high-altitude vineyards (400-600 meters above sea level) and volcanic soils gives the wine its remarkable structure and longevity. The cool mountain air slows down ripening, allowing the grapes to develop intense aromatics and balanced acidity.

Aging Potential

Taurasi is a wine that rewards patience. By law, it must be aged for a minimum of three years, with at least one year in oak. The Riserva version requires four years of aging, including 18 months in wood. However, the best Taurasi wines can age for decades, developing flavors of dried fruit, spice, tobacco, and truffle over time.

Why Collect Taurasi?

Incredible aging potential: Like Barolo or Brunello, Taurasi evolves beautifully over time.
Exceptional value: Compared to wines from northern Italy, Taurasi often offers a more affordable price for similar quality.
Uniqueness: Taurasi is a true expression of southern Italy’s volcanic terroir and centuries-old winemaking tradition.

Enjoying Taurasi

When drinking a young Taurasi, it’s best to decant it for several hours to soften the tannins. A well-aged Taurasi pairs beautifully with:

Lamb or wild game
Truffle-infused pasta
Slow-cooked Neapolitan ragù

Final Thoughts

Aglianico and Taurasi represent the soul of southern Italian winemaking. Whether you’re a collector looking for the next hidden gem or simply a wine lover seeking something bold and distinctive, these wines deserve a place in your cellar. The next time you’re in the mood for a structured, complex red, reach for a bottle of Aglianico or Taurasi—you won’t be disappointed!