Aglianico: the Nebbiolo of the South, Taurasi and Vulture
Nicknamed the Nebbiolo of the South, Aglianico ranks among Italy's three greatest grape varieties thanks to its monumental structure and extraordinary ageing potential. Yet its tannic power and lively acidity can be intimidating if you do not know how to approach it.
Together we will explore the volcanic terroirs of Taurasi and Vulture to help you choose and taste these exceptional wines.
Why is Aglianico the lord of the South?
Aglianico, nicknamed the Barolo of the South, dominates Campania and Basilicata with its imposing tannic structure and lively acidity. This late-ripening grape variety draws its unique mineral complexity from the volcanic soils of Vulture and Taurasi.
Nickname given to Aglianico for its tannins, acidity and ageing potential reminiscent of Nebbiolo.
This strong identity rests on ancient genetics and a striking stylistic kinship with the great crus of Piedmont.
The mystery of its roots and the Piedmont analogy
This noble grape variety surprises with its power. It is called the Barolo of the South for its elegance.
Its roots reach back into ancient history. It thrives at altitude, between generous sunshine and cool nights.
How do you recognise a great wine for ageing?
Its tight tannic frame and high acidity guarantee rare longevity. These pillars ensure a remarkable evolution.
The grape acts as a mirror, faithfully reflecting themineral imprint of the surrounding volcanic soils.
Vigneti del Vulture - Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture - 2024
Having explored the essence of the grape variety, let us discover an approachable, modern expression from the slopes of Monte Vulture.
This Pipoli cuvée reveals an intensely fruity profile, carried by tannins that are already silky and well integrated. It is an ideal gateway to the volcanic terroirs of Basilicata.
This Vigneti del Vulture - Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture, a tannic and structured red wine, pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables. You will appreciate its aromatic persistence.
Vigneti del Vulture - Pipoli Rosato Basilicata - 2025
Aglianico can also be lighter, as this surprising rosé version proves. This bottle from Basilicata expresses remarkable liveliness, carried by aromas of wild strawberry and a saline minerality. It is a true food wine.
You will enjoy Vigneti del Vulture - Pipoli Rosato Basilicata with white fish or spicy dishes. Its balance elegantly enhances your summer meals with style.
Paternoster - Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmo - 2016
To experience the historic excellence of Vulture first-hand, you need to turn to an icon of the Paternoster estate. This Don Anselmo cuvée stands as a true monument, paying tribute to the founder through its volcanic power and remarkable aromatic complexity. With notes of leather and dark spices, its bouquet is impressive.
Paternoster - Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmo has immense ageing potential. It will enhance your game dishes with rare elegance and deep structure.
Vesevo - Taurasi - 2016
Let us leave Basilicata for Campania, where the Taurasi terroir offers wines of rare volcanic depth.
This Taurasi by Vesevo expresses remarkable intensity, with notes of liquorice, coffee and black fruit. The volcanic soils of Irpinia bring mineral tension and a particularly clean-cut structure.
We recommend this Vesevo - Taurasi to accompany a fine cut of beef or lamb. It is a characterful pairing for your winter meals.
Cantine Lonardo - Irpinia Aglianico - 2019
The Cantine Lonardo estate takes an artisanal, precise approach that reveals all the typicity of Irpinia.
Do you know this nectar nicknamed the Nebbiolo of the South? This Irpinia Aglianico 2019 is a wine that combines strength and drinkability. Old vines bring natural concentration without heaviness.
For a successful tasting, choose Cantine Lonardo - Irpinia Aglianico. It shows its best, between character and finesse, with pressed cheeses.
Cantine Lonardo - Coste Taurasi - 2016
Let us move up the range with the Coste single-plot selection, a true expression of the region's mountain climate.
This Coste cuvée expresses an assertive character in which high altitude preserves incredible freshness despite the natural power of the grape variety. You will discover complex, deep aromas reflecting an exceptional terroir.
This tannic red wine, available from Cantine Lonardo - Coste Taurasi, calls for flavoursome white meats. Its elegant structure will enhance your finest food pairings.
Cantine Lonardo - Vigne d'Alto Taurasi - 2016
The top of the Lonardo range is found here, on the heights overlooking the Taurasi valley. With Vigne d'Alto you will discover a profound wine for meditation. Its mineral complexity is striking, offering a pure reflection of volcanic ash and limestone.
This cuvée, Cantine Lonardo - Vigne d'Alto Taurasi , will elevate your special occasions. It goes wonderfully with robust game dishes.
Botter - Lupo Meraviglia Tre Di Tre - 2021
To round off this overview, let us discover a bold blend that uses ancestral fermentation methods.
Combining Negroamaro, Aglianico and Primitivo, this bottle celebrates balance. The use of palmenti gives a unique texture to this indulgent and very expressive wine. You will discover remarkable concentration.
Botter - Lupo Meraviglia Tre Di Tre goes wonderfully with your spicy dishes or a fine cut of beef. It is an unmissable sensory stopover.
When the hills meet the fire of volcanic soils
The greatness of Aglianico cannot be understood without analysing its two major geological strongholds.
Up to 800 m in Basilicata.
Late-ripening grape variety.
Campania and Basilicata.
The razor-sharp minerality of the Vulture volcano
Consider the impact of the ash on what is in your glass. These dark soils forge dense yet fine tannins. The altitude in Basilicata, reaching 800 metres, ensures slow ripening. Observe the influence of water stress at altitude on the quality of the must.
The aromatic density of the Irpinia hillsides
Discover the clay-limestone soils of Campania. They bring a unique floral elegance. Climatic variations between plots create a fascinating diversity of styles. Consider the impact of terroir on the fungal communities of the grapes for your future tastings.
Between structural power and the finesse of time
Tasting an Aglianico takes patience and a few technical steps to reveal its soul.
Preparing the wine to release its structure
Decanting is essential here. The vigour of young vintages requires generous aeration. Serve older bottles at around 18 degrees so as not to mask their delicate bouquet.
For a young Aglianico, choose a wide-necked decanter. Let the wine breathe for 2 to 3 hours.
The transformation of the tannins after ten years of ageing
A decade transforms this nectar. The black fruit gives way to leather and blond tobacco. Storage in a cool cellar ensures longevity of several decades. The structure then becomes silky and complex.
| Stage | Profile |
|---|---|
| Young | Cherry, firm tannins |
| 10 years | Leather, mellow tannins |
Characterful pairings for an authentic table
This wine with temperament demands table companions to match, able to stand up to its grip.
Pairings with red meat and game
Serve roast lamb with herbs. Its firm tannins balance the fat. Creamy sauces complete this robust picture. Aglianico, the Nebbiolo of the South (Taurasi and Vulture), reveals its power here.
Pairing with the region's aged cheeses
Suggest cheeses such as Pecorino. The rosé version will accompany an artisan pizza or charcuterie. These pairings elegantly respect the wild identity of the grape variety.
- Aged Pecorino
- Milk-fed lamb
- Wild boar stew
- Neapolitan pizza (for the rosé)
| Region | Dominant style | Ageing potential | Ideal pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basilicata (Vulture) | Minerality/Tension | High | Braised lamb |
| Campania (Taurasi) | Power/Elegance | Exceptional | Game in sauce |
| Puglia (Blends) | Roundness/Fruit | Medium | Fine charcuterie |
Between the volcanic minerality of Vulture and the structured elegance of Taurasi, Aglianico asserts itself as an exceptional treasure for ageing. Do not hesitate to let these bottles age so that their firm tannins turn into precious silk. You will then savour the authentic soul of southern Italy in every glass.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Aglianico nicknamed the “Barolo of the South”?
This prestigious nickname highlights the striking stylistic kinship between Aglianico and the famous Nebbiolo of Piedmont. Like its northern cousin, this grape variety offers an imposing structure, carried by firm tannins and lively acidity, guaranteeing exceptional ageing potential that can stretch over several decades.
Combining power and refinement, Aglianico develops a fascinating aromatic complexity over time, in which black fruit gives way to notes of leather, tobacco and forest floor. It is this ability to evolve with nobility that earns it a place among Italy's three greatest grape varieties.
What are the main characteristics of Taurasi and Vulture wines?
Terroir plays a leading role in the identity of these appellations. In Taurasi, in Campania, the clay-limestone soils and the altitude of Irpinia forge wines of great aromatic density, blending black cherry with floral hints of violet. These are wines that often need a few years of patience to reveal their elegance.
In Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture draws its strength from the dark soils of an extinct volcano. When the hills meet the fire of volcanic ash, the wine gains a razor-sharp, almost saline minerality, with touches of graphite and smoke. These wines stand out for their remarkable tension and a freshness preserved by altitude.
How should you prepare and taste an Aglianico?
To release the full structure of this characterful wine, decanting is highly recommended, especially for the youngest vintages. This generous aeration helps tosoften the tannins and open up the aromatic bouquet , which is often concentrated. We recommend serving the bottles at a temperature of 18 degrees for perfect balance.
At the table, Aglianico calls for companions to match. Its natural grip goes wonderfully with robust meats such as roast lamb, game or dishes in rich sauces. For a more local pairing, the aged cheeses of the South, such as Pecorino, will stand up to its power with authenticity.
Can Aglianico be made as a rosé?
Absolutely, and it is an often overlooked facet of this great grape variety. Rosé versions of Aglianico retain the mineral signature and liveliness of the grape while offering a softer, more vinous texture. You will find aromas of crunchy small red berries and a saline freshness that is ideal with food.
These characterful rosés areexcellent companions for convivial moments. They pair brilliantly with an artisan pizza, a parmigiana or a selection of fine charcuterie, adding a touch of finesse and depth to these tasty dishes.
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