Grape Variety
Aglianico
“The Barolo of the South”
Aglianico is a full-bodied red wine grape grown in Taurasi, Aglianico del Vulture — known as “the Barolo of the South”.
Aglianico at a glance
| Color | Red |
|---|---|
| Body | Full |
| Signature flavors | Black Cherry, Plum, Tar, Smoke, Leather, Licorice, Tobacco, Volcanic Ash |
| Classic pairings | Wild boar ragu, Grilled lamb, Aged Pecorino, Osso buco |
| Where it grows | Taurasi, Aglianico del Vulture |
The Story
Aglianico is one of Italy's oldest grapes, planted by Greek colonizers 3,000+ years ago. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake nearly killed it—3,000 people died, vineyards were destroyed. Today, Taurasi has only 400 hectares under vine.
Insider Story
The Mastroberardino family saved Aglianico from extinction. After WWII, most farmers ripped out native grapes for high-yielding varieties. Antonio Mastroberardino refused. He spent decades cataloguing clones, lobbying for DOCG status. In 1993, Taurasi became DOCG.
Technical Deep Dive
Late-ripening (late October harvest). Thick skins = massive tannins (3,000-4,000 mg/L). High acidity (6-8 g/L). Young Aglianico is nearly undrinkable. Needs 10+ years to soften. Volcanic soil (tufo) is essential.
Industry Secrets
Southern Italy's wine scene is a mafia minefield. Organized crime controls logistics and distribution in Campania. Nobody talks about it publicly.
Collector’s Corner
Investment grade B- Auction records
- Mastroberardino Taurasi Riserva 1968 ($400), Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico ($120)
- Blue-chip producers
- ["Mastroberardino","Feudi di San Gregorio","Terredora","Antonio Caggiano"]
- Value picks
- Taurasi DOCG ($25-50), Aglianico del Vulture ($18-35)
- Price trend
- Undervalued. Southern Italy not yet on collector radar—prices stable.
- Collector’s tip
- Buy now before discovery. 2010, 2015 are excellent vintages. Ages 20+ years like Barolo.
Updated March 2026
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