News17/02/2025 10:30:30
AGLIANICO – THE GRAPE BEHIND ITALY’S FINEST WINES

Aglianico is regarded as the king of Southern Italian grapes and is one of Italy’s three greatest noble varieties, alongside Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Explaining its prestige in Italian winemaking, wine researcher Denis Dubourdieu once stated, "Aglianico has the longest-standing consumption history of any grape variety." Join InWine as we uncover fascinating facts about this exceptional grape.
1/ ORIGIN
The true origins of Aglianico remain a mystery. It is believed that the Greeks introduced this grape to Italy around 2,500 BCE during their colonization. However, phylloxera devastated Aglianico vineyards in Greece, causing the variety to virtually disappear from its homeland. Today, Southern Italy is considered the ancestral home of Aglianico, where it has thrived for centuries.
2/ VITICULTURE
Aglianico is a thick-skinned black grape that buds early and thrives in dry climates with abundant sunshine.
This grape is known for its late ripening, with the latest harvests occurring as late as November in some Southern Italian regions. The slow and extended ripening period ensures that tannins mature alongside sugar development, resulting in balanced wines with excellent aging potential. Aglianico particularly excels in volcanic soils, where it develops its signature structure and complexity.

3/ WINE STYLE
Aglianico wines range from deep ruby to intense purple, with bold flavors of ripe black fruits, including blackcurrant, Morello cherry, and blueberry, complemented by rich dark chocolate notes.
Wines made from Aglianico tend to be full-bodied, with firm tannins and high acidity, making them highly age-worthy. In Campania, this grape is also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce IGT wines with added depth and complexity.
While Aglianico is best known for red wines, some producers also craft rosé, passito, and sparkling variations from this versatile grape.
4/ DISTRIBUTION

Aglianico thrives in volcanic soils, making Taurasi and Taburno (Campania) and Vulture (Basilicata) the most suitable wine regions for this grape.
In recent years, Australia, the United States, and Canada have also begun cultivating Aglianico due to its resilience in arid conditions, making it an attractive choice for wine regions affected by climate change.
Aglianico has stood the test of time for over 20 centuries, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Italy’s finest wines.

The exceptional Italian wines crafted from this noble grape at InWine promise an unforgettable experience for anyone who indulges in them.
Related news