Agliancio

Agliancio

Aglianico is a deeply pigmented, thick-skinned red grape variety known for producing structured, age-worthy wines with firm tannins and pronounced acidity. Often referred to as one of Italy’s great noble varieties, it is capable of exceptional longevity when grown in suitable climates and soils. The variety excels in volcanic soils, where it develops both power and complexity.

Originated in southern Italy

Ripening Period: Late season

Moderate vigor

Moderate yield

Availability

Preferred Climate

Aglianico performs best in a warm to hot Mediterranean climate, particularly in elevated inland sites where warm days are balanced by cool nights. It benefits from long growing seasons that allow full phenolic ripening, as it is one of the latest-ripening varieties in Italy.

Viticultural Characteristics

Aglianico produces small, compact clusters with small, thick-skinned berries that contribute to its high tannin and color concentration. It buds early but ripens very late, making it vulnerable to early autumn rains in cooler areas. The vine requires a long growing season to achieve full phenolic maturity and can struggle in climates that are too cool or overly fertile. It performs particularly well in volcanic and well-drained soils and benefits from careful yield control to ensure balanced ripening and tannin development.

Wine Profile

Aglianico wines are typically full-bodied with high tannin and high acidity, giving them a firm structural backbone and strong aging potential. Aromatically, they show dark fruit notes such as black cherry, blackberry, and plum, often layered with dried herbs, tobacco, leather, smoke, and earthy mineral tones. With bottle age, the wines develop complex tertiary characteristics including dried fig, balsamic nuances, and savory spice. On the palate, they are powerful and structured, often requiring time in both barrel and bottle to soften and integrate.

Clones

FPS 5 - Moderate vigor and yield with small cluster sizes.