Wine Grape: Aglianico
Aglianico is one of Italy's oldest red wine grape varieties. There are two theories about where Aglianico comes from. The first suggests it is of Greek origin, with the Italian adjective Ellenico - 'of Greek origin' as the source of its name. The second theory is that Aglianico is a domesticated native grape variety, its name coming from Spanish origins. Derived from the Spanish word llano - 'flat', Aglianico or Glianico would be 'grape of the plains'. According to Nico Manessis, author of The Illustrated Greek Wine Book, in Greece there is no known grape variety that resembles Aglianico, other than the Aglianico that was recently imported from Italy.
The grape ripens very late, with harvests as late as November. Aglianico is almost certainly the grape the Romans used to make the famous Falerno.
Synonyms
Also known as Aglianica, Aglianico del Vulture, Aglianico Trignarulo, Aglianicone, Agliano, Aglianicuccia, Ellenico, Fresella, Gagliano, Gesualdo, Gilanica, Ghiandare, Gnanico, Guanico, Hellanica, Olivella di S. Cosmo, Spriema, Ruopolo, Tringarulo, Uva Aglianica, Uva dei Cani, Uva di Castellaneta, Uva Nera
Where
Italy: Basilicata, Campania, Molise, Puglia
Principal Wines
Italy: Molise: Molise or Del Molise DOC; Campania: Taurasi DOCG, Aglianico del Taburno or Taburno DOC, Cilento DOC, Costa d'Amalfi DOC, Falerno del Massico DOC, Galluccio DOC, Guardia Sanframondi or Guardiolo DOC, Irpinia DOC, Penisola Sorrentina DOC, Sannio DOC, Sant-Agata de' Goti or Sant'Agata dei Goti DOC, Solopaca DOC; Basilicata: Aglianico del Vulture DOC; Puglia: Castel del Monte DOC
Characteristics
Color: Ruby red with brick hues
Nose: Fruity (Cherry jam, prune), Nutty (almond), Floral (violet), Spicy (licorice), Animal (leather), Vinous
Palate: Full bodied. High alcohol balanced with good acidity and tannins. Savory
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