Aglianico

Origin: Greece
Other Names: Gnanico, Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanico and Uva Nera

A dark black skinned grape grown in the Campania and Basilicata regions of Italy. The grape vine originated in Greece and is said to have been brought to Campania by Greek settlers. This varietal has a unique a storied history and was the principal grape used in making the famous Falernian wines which were some of the highest ranking wines in Roman times. The grape was called Ellenico(the Italian word for Greek) in Italy before the 15th century and eventually became known as Aglianico.

The DOC Aglianico del Vulture is made in Basilicata and is most sought after from vineyards located and grown around Mount Vulture.Aglianico's only DOCG wine is produced in the village of Taurasi where wines of great complexity and structure are made. The wines produced from the grape tend to be dark full-bodied wines with firm tannin and high acidity.