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Home β†’ Grape Encyclopaedia β†’ Aglianico

πŸ‡ Aglianico

Also known as: Aglianico del Vulture, Ellenico, Ellanico
Pronunciation: ah-lee-YAHN-ee-koh /aɑljaˈniko/
Red Origin: Campania/Basilicata, Italy

About Aglianico

Aglianico is southern Italy's noblest grape, often called the "Barolo of the South" for its powerful tannins, high acidity, and remarkable ageing potential. The name derives from "Ellenico" (Hellenic), reflecting its ancient Greek origins.

The grape thrives on volcanic soils in Campania (Taurasi) and Basilicata (Vulture), producing deeply coloured wines with dark fruit, leather, tar, and remarkable structure. Young Aglianico can be forbiddingly tannic, but with age it develops extraordinary complexity.

This is a late-ripening variety that needs warm sites and patient ageing. Top examples can evolve for 20+ years, developing layers of complexity that rival the great wines of northern Italy.

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Deep ruby to garnet-black

Deeply saturated, inky in youth. Develops garnet-brown rim with age.

Colour Variations by Region

Taurasi (young): Opaque purple-black, impenetrable
Taurasi (aged): Deep garnet with brown rim
Vulture: Deep ruby-purple, slightly brighter
Intensity Deep to Opaque
Clarity Clear, often deposits in aged bottles
Viscosity High - typically 13.5-15% alcohol

Wine Characteristics

Body
Full
Tannin
High to Very High
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
12–14.5%

Alcohol content can vary based on vintage, producer, and specific sub-region (e.g., Aglianico del Vulture tends towards the higher end of the range).

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference β†’

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Black cherry
  • Plum
  • Smoke
  • Tar
  • Leather [M45 leather]
  • Dried herbs
  • Spice
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee [M52 coffee]

Flavours (Palate)

  • Dark cherry
  • Blackberry
  • Leather
  • Tar
  • Smoke
  • Earth
  • Bitter chocolate
  • Tobacco

The Nose

Aglianico wines boast a compelling aromatic profile, initially offering vibrant notes of dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry, often interwoven with savory spice. As the wine ages, secondary aromas of volcanic earth and tobacco emerge, leading to tertiary characteristics of leather, dried herbs, and a subtle balsamic complexity. This creates a deeply layered and intriguing experience, hinting at the wine’s potential for long-term aging and elegant evolution.

The Palate

Aglianico wines are full-bodied and powerfully structured, boasting a dark fruit profile of blackberry, black cherry, and plum often layered with notes of violet, chocolate, and black pepper. These wines are characterized by firm, noticeable tannins and a high level of acidity, creating a dry, impactful experience on the palate. Ultimately, Aglianico delivers a complex and age-worthy profile, balancing robust fruit with earthy undertones.

Viticulture

Climate:
Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Requires significant diurnal temperature variation (warm days, cool nights) to develop proper acidity and complexity.
Soil:
Volcanic, clay-rich, and calcareous soils are preferred. Well-drained soils are crucial. Often found on hillsides.
Yield:
Relatively low yields (50-70 hl/ha) are common, especially in quality-focused vineyards. Higher yields can dilute flavors and acidity.
Harvest:
Late harvest (October - November). Achieving phenolic maturity is critical, and harvest decisions are often based on seed color and tannin development rather than sugar levels alone.
Disease Susceptibility:
Relatively resistant to some fungal diseases, but susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot, especially in humid conditions. Careful vineyard monitoring and preventative measures are necessary.
Canopy Management:
Canopy management is important to ensure good sunlight exposure and air circulation, especially in humid climates. Leaf removal is often practiced.
Pruning:
Short pruning is typical, aiming to control vigor and concentrate flavors.
Flowering:
Mid-season flowering.
Veraison:
Late veraison (late summer/early autumn). Aglianico is a late-ripening variety.
Bud Break:
Late bud break (mid-late spring), making it less susceptible to spring frosts.
Origin:
Southern Italy (Campania, Basilicata, Puglia)
Pest Pressure:
Susceptible to phylloxera, requiring grafting onto rootstock.
Rootstock Selection:
Rootstocks are selected based on soil type and desired vigor control. Common choices include 110 Richter, SO4, and Kober 5BB.
Special Considerations:
Aglianico requires careful site selection and vineyard management to fully express its potential. Late ripening means it needs warm sites with good sun exposure. The thick skins and high tannins require careful extraction during winemaking.
Vigor:
Moderate to high vigor. Requires careful canopy management.
Vine Training:
Traditionally trained using *spalliera* (head-trained) systems, particularly *alberello* (bush vine). Increasingly, cordon and guyot systems are used for higher yields and mechanization, but can sometimes compromise quality. High planting densities are common.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Medium
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Medium
Botrytis Susceptibility
Medium

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Medium
Oxidation Tendency
Moderate
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
20+ years

Blending Partners

Piedirosso β€” Primary partner

Often blended with Aglianico, especially in Taurasi, to soften tannins and add aromatic complexity.

Common in: Campania

Notable Regions

Campania, Italy
Basilicata, Italy
Puglia, Italy
Molise, Italy
United States (California)
Australia

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

Almost exclusively southern Italian - ancient tradition, volcanic terroir

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

Very limited plantings; some in Australia and California

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Tar, smoke, powerful tannins, needs age - the "Barolo of the South" comparison is apt

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Aglianico in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Nebbiolo

Why confused: similar_structure

How to distinguish: Nebbiolo is paler, more floral (rose/tar), higher acidity. Aglianico is darker, more brooding.

Sagrantino

Why confused: similar_tannin

How to distinguish: Sagrantino has even more tannin, more rustic, Umbrian origin.

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Deep colour + massive tannins + high acidity + tar/smoke/leather. One of Italy's most structured reds.

Common confusions: Nebbiolo (paler, more floral), Sagrantino (even more tannic). The combination of deep colour and powerful tannins is diagnostic.

Colour: Very dark, almost black when young - unlike pale Nebbiolo.

Age: Young Aglianico is often unpleasantly tannic - best after 5-10+ years.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Aglianico:

2023
A warm and dry year, leading to a concentrated vintage with ripe tannins and excellent structure. Early harvest due to drought conditions. Expect powerful wines with good aging potential. Some notes of dark cherry and volcanic earth.
2022
A challenging vintage with significant rainfall during the summer months. Careful vineyard management was crucial to prevent rot. Wines are generally lighter in body and color, with brighter acidity. Best enjoyed young to medium-term.
2021
A classic vintage with a balanced growing season. Warm days and cool nights allowed for excellent phenolic development and acidity retention. Full-bodied wines with complex aromas of black fruit, spice, and tobacco. Long aging potential.
2020
A warm and dry year, resulting in a powerful and concentrated vintage. Wines are rich and opulent, with ripe tannins and notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. May require significant aging to integrate the tannins.
2019
A highly regarded vintage, considered one of the best in recent years. Ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season produced wines with exceptional concentration, structure, and complexity. Expect long-lived wines with layers of flavor.
2018
A warm and generous vintage, producing wines with ripe fruit and supple tannins. Easily approachable in youth, but with enough structure for medium-term aging. Notes of red plum and licorice.
2017
A more moderate vintage with balanced temperatures and adequate rainfall. Wines are elegant and refined, with good acidity and a long finish. A good example of Aglianico's finesse.
2016
A dry vintage with concentrated flavors and firm tannins. Requires aging to soften. Dark fruit and earthy notes are prominent.
2015
A warm and dry vintage, producing full-bodied wines with ripe tannins and concentrated flavors. Excellent structure and aging potential.
2014
A cooler vintage with higher acidity. Wines are more restrained and elegant, with a focus on finesse rather than power. Best enjoyed relatively young.
2013
A challenging vintage due to excessive rainfall. Wines are lighter in body and color, with softer tannins. Drinkable young.
2012
A warm and dry vintage, resulting in concentrated wines with good structure and aging potential. Notes of dark fruit and spice.

Food Pairings

🌱 Plant-Based & Vegetarian
Mushroomsve Truffle dishesve Aged cheeses
πŸ– Classic Pairings
Grilled aubergine Lamb Beef brasato Game Hearty stews

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Parentage not yet established through DNA analysis

Clones

VCR 2

Proprietary selection, details beyond this are limited in provided text.

Taurasi clones (8 certified)

Certified clones from Rauscedo Cooperative Nurseries, specific characteristics not detailed.

Aglianico del Vulture clones (2 certified)

Certified clones from Rauscedo Cooperative Nurseries, specific characteristics not detailed.

Redimore

Used for red wine production.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Aglianico:

Aglianico: The King of Southern Italy by Nicholas Belfrage (University of California Press, 2018) β†—

Comprehensive overview of the grape, its history, and wines.

Vino: The History of Wine by Benjamin Wallace (Simon & Schuster, 2019) β†—

Includes a section on Aglianico within the broader context of Italian wine history.

The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson (Mitchell Beazley, 2019) β†—

Standard reference work; provides information on Aglianico's regions and characteristics.

Italian Wine for Dummies by Ed McCarthy (Wiley, 2014) β†—

Accessible introduction to Italian wines, including Aglianico.

Aglianico del Vulture: Terroir and Wine

Detailed study of the Aglianico del Vulture DOC, focusing on terroir and winemaking.

Ampelografia: Principali Vitigni a Bacca Nera del Sud Italia

Detailed ampelographic study of Southern Italian black grape varieties, including Aglianico.

Wine Searcher

Price comparison, wine ratings, and information on Aglianico wines.

GuildSomm

Resource for wine professionals, with detailed information on Aglianico.

Native Grape Odyssey

Blog with frequent posts on Southern Italian wines, including Aglianico.

"Characterization of Aglianico Biotypes by Microsatellite Markers" by Cipriani, G., et al. in American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (2010) DOI β†—

Scientific study on the genetic diversity of Aglianico.

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Wines Featuring Aglianico

Wines from our tasting directory that feature this grape:

Taurasi
Feudi di San Gregorio
Campania
Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 30 January 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
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  • Wine region boundaries — Highlighted in wine-red where data is available
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →