Located on volcanic soils, Aglianico del Vulture is considered the best quality wine region in Basilicata, in Southern Italy. The signature grape is Aglianico, a variety that exudes class. It makes firm red wines with great fruit and structure. In the past young Aglianico wines were often fiercely tannic and harsh – fortunately improved techniques in both the vineyard and winery have led to fresher and riper wine being made that are eminently approachable in youth. Aglianico’s high tannins and acidity, and its ability to age, has inspired some to call it the ‘Barolo of the South’.
The Winecroft featured red wine for November is the 2018 Vigneti del Vulture `Piano del Cerro` Aglianico del Vulture. The vineyards belonging to this estate are superb: low-trained and planted on the volcanic soils of the slopes of Mount Vulture at altitudes of up to 600 metres above sea level. Deep red in colour, this wine displays hints of blackberry and blackcurrants mixed with spicy, balsamic notes on the nose. It has great structure on the palate and good length on the finish. A perfect full-bodied red for winter evenings.
The wine has recently featured on the winelists of Raby Hunt, the two-star Michelin restaurant in Summerhouse, Darlington, and The Harwood Arms, Fulham – the only Michelin-starred pub in London.
