We unveiled one of our top full reds at a Tasting Tuesday a few weeks ago. Here’s a bit more info on our Vinicola del Sannio Aglianico Beneventano ($14).

Profile and History:

Aglianico is a grape that was brought to Italy from Greece, so it was commonly used in the first wines made by the Roman empire. Because of its thick skin, Aglianico is almost always a very tannic, full bodied wine with high acid. In its first years, these tannins can be pretty unapproachable, which is why Aglianico ages well.

Tasting Notes:

This wine is pretty true to type. Very tannic with some cocoa powder and ripe plummy notes. It takes a little while open up, but once it does and the tannin mellows, the fruit comes forward. We would call this wine a “food wine” (as many Italian wines are because of their high acid and tannins). If you like full bodied dry wines with darker dried fruit flavors, this is the red for you. Pair it with gamey meats and foods with high acid (like tomatoes).