Aglianico

Aglianico – The noble variety of Campania and Basilicata

Aglianico is one of the oldest and noblest grape varieties in Italy and is often referred to as the “Barolo of the south”. It produces impressive, storable red wines, particularly in the Campania (Taurasi DOCG) and Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture DOCG) regions.

Strong tannins, high acidity and deep, dark aromas are typical of Aglianico. The wines show notes of black cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, graphite, dark chocolate and Mediterranean herbs. Depending on the style, Aglianico is either fruity and rustic or complex and mature.

🔹 Young Aglianico (e.g. Campania IGT, stainless steel ageing): Fruity, powerful, with noticeable freshness and straightforwardness.
🔹 Classic Taurasi / Aglianico del Vulture: Powerful, structured, with depth, spice and great ageing potential.
🔹 Matured Riserva Aglianico: Multi-layered, velvety, with tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco and truffles.

➡ Aglianico is an ideal partner for grilled meat, braised dishes, game and mature cheeses.

🥩 Aglianico & dishes – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Young, fruity Aglianico (e.g. Campania IGT)

Taste: Dry, powerful, with noticeable tannins & red fruit.
Typical aromas: sour cherry, blackcurrant, herbs, pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Pizza & pasta with tomatoes → Pizza diavola, penne all’arrabbiata, pasta alla puttanesca
✔ Grilled poultry & pork → Salsiccia, grilled chicken thighs
✔ Mediterranean vegetable dishes → Melanzane alla Parmigiana, ratatouille

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Pizza Diavola with spicy salami
– Pasta all’arrabbiata with chili and garlic

2️⃣ Classic Aglianico (Taurasi DOCG, Aglianico del Vulture DOCG)

Taste: Deep, spicy, with complex fruit & mineral structure.
Typical aromas: black cherry, plum, tobacco, dark chocolate, licorice.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Lamb & beef dishes → rack of lamb, brasato, ossobuco
✔ Braised dishes & game → leg of wild boar, venison stew, rabbit in red wine
✔ Hearty pasta & cheese → lasagne, cannelloni, pecorino stagionato

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Rack of lamb with herb crust
– Venison ragout with polenta

3️⃣ Matured Riserva Aglianico

Taste: Elegant, profound, with fine spice & tertiary notes.
Typical aromas: leather, tobacco, truffle, undergrowth, dried herbs.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Game dishes & braised meat → saddle of venison, beef cheeks, lamb shank
✔ Mushroom dishes & truffles → mushroom risotto, tagliatelle with truffle butter
✔ Matured cheese & pâtés → taleggio, robiola, game pâté

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Saddle of venison with red wine sauce & truffles
– Mushroom risotto with parmesan shavings

🔍 Aglianico & food pairing at a glance

📌 Tip: Aglianico loves strong, spicy dishes and is ideal for the hearty cuisine of southern Italy.

🚀 Conclusion: Why Aglianico goes perfectly with hearty Mediterranean cuisine

Aglianico is the great character wine of southern Italy. Whether as a fruity pizza companion, structured food wine or matured fine wine – this grape variety stands for strength, depth and Mediterranean passion! 🇮🇹🍷

⭢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀

Latest articles on Aglianico as a food companion

Stuffed leg of Easter lamb with young vegetables

Festive roast with a Mediterranean flavour Tender leg of lamb stuffed with garlic, rosemary and [...]

05
Apr