Just Loving the Barolo of the South

Aglianico (pronounced ah-lee-ahn-ick-oh) is a high quality, age-worthy southern Italian red wine which is frequently referred to as "the Barolo of the south." As far as we're concerned, that's high praise indeed. We love Barolo and we just adore Aglianico.

A little background first. Aglianico is grown almost exclusively in Southern Italy, most notably in Campania and Basilicata. In Campania its highest expression is found in the volcanic soils of Taurasi DOCG, while in Basilicata it's found in Aglianico del Vulture DOC. Taurasi is considered to be the more lofty and precious of the two, and it can include up to 15% other local red grape varieties. Aglianico del Vulture must be 100% Aglianico.

Why we love it. Last night we returned home from a small Loire Valley wine tasting at the Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston. After three hours of sitting in traffic we arrived home starving. Kevin made a batch of intensely flavored Bolognese sauce from reduced red wine, reduced heavy cream and caramelized cremini mushrooms with freshly ground beef from Whole Foods. We opened a bottle of 2006 Aglianico del Vulture and it felt like we were in heaven. The wine was incredibly rich and deeply satisfying with beautifully integrated tannins. We couldn't think of a better wine to serve on a super chilly winter evening.

Aglianicos in general are dark, robust, concentrated and tannic wines which improve greatly with time as a result of their marked acidity. We're talking about fine-grained tannins here, of the soft and silky sort, which glide across the tongue. This is some heady stuff.

And, now, for our latest acquisition.

Cantine Antonio Caggiano Aglianico Tari 2011

"Antonio Caggiano makes some of the most delicious and accessible Aglianicos in Campania, making his wines a great choice for readers who want to explore one of Italy's most fascinating grapes." (Wine Advocate)

Some of you may be wondering about the drinkability of a 2011. Normally we would suggest aging Aglianico for a few years before consumption. However, the Antonio Caggiano has no need of this, which is one of the reasons we purchased it. It's a more modern take on an ancient grape. In fact, it's so completely accessible, super ripe and delicious, it's hard to put down. Look for dark fruit flavors, dried violet and ripe plum, as well as licorice and spices on the palate.

A modern style of Aglianico pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted and braised meats such as lamb and beef, and cheeses such as Pecorino and aged Manchego.

Now, all you need to do is envision sitting by a roaring fire on a chilly winter's evening with a bowl of pasta Bolognese and a glass of Aglianico. Now THAT's a wine and food pairing!

$19.99/bottle or $95.95/6 pack case ($15.99/bottle) or just $15.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

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