The probable origins of Aglianico lie in ancient Greece, Magna Graecia, and its name most likely comes from the transformation of the word Hellenic. Found throughout Southern Italy, in the region of Basilicata it is the basis of Aglianico del Vulture DOCG and in Campania, in the area of Benevento it produces Aglianico del Taburno DOCG. But perhaps its most elegant expression is found in the famous DOCG Taurasi. This grape variety finds ideal conditions in the terroir of Puglia as well, where it produces full-bodied wines with important tannins.
The Aglianico variety has the following features:
- Leaves: medium-sized, long, orbicular or three-lobe shaped
- Cluster: small or medium-sized, cylindrical, very winged, close-knit
- Grape: small or medium-sized, ellipsoidal
- Skin: with a plenty of bloom, thin, tough, black-coloured
Production features: the Aglianico variety gives a copious and constant production.
Cultivation and farming: the Aglianico variety is best farmed with espaliers, but it can also fit for other forms of farming.
Wine features: the wine originating from the Aglianico variety is ruby-red-coloured, fruity, fresh and tannic, well-bodied, suitable for ageing.