Aglianico del Taburno Rosso – Antique red wine Benevento

An antique vine, brought to the area by the Greeks in eighth century BC. Aglianico del Taburno has been the wine of emperors and popes, strictly restricted to the upper class over the centuries. It was so loved by Papa Paolo III who noted the quality of this wine in several official documents in the 1500s. Known by different names, for the Roman emperors it was Guarano from Campania Felix to the Hellenica of the Romans through the papal reigns.

There are several wines produced from Aglianico, a Red, a Rosato and a White, but the basic characteristics are the similar. Aglianico is a strong vine with a slight bite of citrus. The alcohol content, between 11.5 and 12% per volume, is also similar among the various varieties. Once produced this a wine to drink within a couple of years of bottling.

The grapes are cultivated in the towns of Apollosa, Bonea, Castelpoto, Campoli del Monte Taburno, Foglianise, Montesarchio, Paupisi, Torrucuso, Ponte and part of Benevento, Cautano, Vitulano, Tocco Claudio at altitudes between 100-600 meters.

This wine is perfect for restaurants. It comes of age when bottled, is relatively inexpensive, is a bit acidic with a strong note of tannins that mellow in a few minutes, and is well structured. This is a great wine for savory dishes, red sauces, and both medium and intensely flavored foods. It also can be employed as an after dinner wine. This red wine is served cold, 8-10 degrees centigrade. This allows the wine to accompany a wider range of dishes.

Although this is not necessarily our first choice it is always a sure second choice.

Grape: 85-100% Aglianico. Remaining Piedirosso, Sciascinoso, or Sangiovese up to 15%.

Color: Intense ruby red.

Bouquet: Pleasant fruity and persistent tones of fruit, tobacco and black pepper.

Flavor: To the taste an immediate hit of tannins followed by spices producing a pronounced but balanced taste.

Alcohol: 11.5-14 %

Serving Temperature: 10 degrees c.

Decanting: 10-15 minutes.

Glass: Stemmed wide bellied glass.

Tags: Food and Wine Taburno Benevento Travel Italy