WineGuessrRed grape variety
Aglianico
Aglianico is a red grape from southern Italy known for full-bodied wines with firm tannins, high acidity and plum and chocolate notes. It makes Taurasi in Campania, a DOCG since 1993, and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata. It is often called the Barolo of the South.
| Color | Red (black-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern Italy (Campania and Basilicata) |
| Body | Full |
| Acidity | High |
| Tannin | High |
| Typical aromas | plum, chocolate, black cherry, spice, earth |
| Key regions | Campania (Italy), Basilicata (Italy), Apulia (Italy), Taurasi (Italy), Mount Vulture (Italy) |
Origin and history
Aglianico is one of the great red grapes of southern Italy. Tradition held that Greek settlers brought it to Cumae, near Naples, in the 8th century BC, and its name was linked to the Latin vitis hellenica, Greek vine. Modern DNA analysis does not support this: Aglianico shows little relation to Greek varieties and appears to be native to southern Italy. Other theories derive the name from Apulianicum, a Latin term for southern Italy, or from the Spanish llano, plain. Whatever its origins, it became the leading quality grape of Campania and Basilicata, and Taurasi was promoted to DOCG status in 1993.
Where it grows
Aglianico grows best in dry, sunny climates and is especially associated with volcanic soils. In Campania its top wine is Taurasi, a DOCG since 1993; Aglianico del Taburno followed as a DOCG in 2011. In the province of Caserta it makes Falerno del Massico. In Basilicata, the volcanic slopes of Monte Vulture produce Aglianico del Vulture, with a Superiore DOCG. In Apulia it is used in Castel del Monte, so the grape spans three southern regions. Small plantings exist outside Italy, including in California and Australia.
Taste, wine styles and food
Aglianico buds early but ripens very late, with harvests in parts of southern Italy as late as November. The long season produces full-bodied wines with firm tannins and high acidity, deep garnet colour and aromas of plum and chocolate, often with black cherry and spice. Young Aglianico is very tannic and concentrated and needs a few years of ageing, and the best Taurasi and Vulture wines improve for many years in bottle. This combination of structure, acidity and longevity is why it is often called the Barolo of the South, in comparison with Nebbiolo. Its power suits rich meats such as lamb, as well as braised beef, game, ragù and aged pecorino. The grape is susceptible to downy mildew in wet years.
Wines made with Aglianico (4)
WineGuessr lists 4 wines made with Aglianico, all from Italy.
Aglianico: questions and answers
What grape is Taurasi made from?
Taurasi is made from Aglianico grown in Campania. It became a DOCG in 1993.
What does Aglianico taste like?
Aglianico tastes of plum, black cherry and chocolate with spicy, earthy notes. It is full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.
Why is Aglianico called the Barolo of the South?
Aglianico is called the Barolo of the South because, like Nebbiolo in Barolo, it makes tannic, high-acid red wines that need and reward long ageing.
Is Aglianico a Greek grape?
Tradition says Greek settlers brought Aglianico to southern Italy, but DNA analysis shows little relation to Greek varieties, suggesting it is native to Italy.
Other red grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.