Aglianico is a grape of a very ancient heritage. Originally brought to Italy by the Phoenicians from Greece, many centuries before Christ was born. Aglianico was famous in the ancient world for it's part in Falernian, a wine revered by kings and poets. Some say this “Ancient Vine” produced Pope Paul III’s favorite wine.
What do we think of this Aglianico, Di Majo Norante, Cantado ?
It is not a sipping wine nor a quaffing wine. It requires rich food and is enjoyed in good swallows. Its name, Contado, translates to peasantry which seems very humble for this rich deep wine.
"One of the best wines of 2003...full, complex aromas of berries and cherries with spicy, balsamic notes from the wood; marked tones of rhubarb. Powerful opening in the mouth, but balanced and soft; followed by a dense tannic texture, noteworthy structure and complexity." Gambero Rosso - August 2003
The wine has a ruby red colour with a slight hint of orange, a winy bouquet, ample and intense with hints of ripe fruit. Mellow and velvety, it is very harmonic, full-bodied and with just the right tannic content and hints of almonds. Ideal with savoury foods, starters, game and cheese.
A late ripening varietal, Aglianico boasts inky-black depths of color, fiery tannins and a firm structure. Aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoke, dark chocolate and even iron are common. Young Aglianicos have a tendency to be harsh and bold, but new world wine-making has made the better examples more approachable at an early age. Aglianico is a long lived varietal, with better examples improving in bottle for decades.
Aglianico is southern Italy's greatest grape, with the best expressions coming from the D.O.Cs Taurasi in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata, where it grows in the volcanic ash on the slopes of Mount Vulture. It can also be found in the warm climates of Riverland (South Australia) and Nemea (Eastern Greece). It is a good match for roasts and game.
Di Majo Norante is a noble family dedicated to the cultivation of vines since the 1800s. Di Majo Norante strives to produce high quality wines at a price that is extremely affordable to the consumer.
The Di Majo Norante winery is located on the estate of the Marquis Norante of Santa Cristina in the region of Molise, along on the Adriatic Sea between Puglia and Abruzzo. The cultivation of vines in this area dates back to 500 BC when the region was inhabited by the Sanniti and the Osci, two pre-Roman civilizations. The estate has been dedicated to growing vines since the 1800s. In the 1960s a modern cantina was constructed and vines were replanted in the Ramitello area. Optimal exposure, constant breezes during the summer, excellent soil composition and a slope toward the Sciabolone and Madonna Grande valleys, combine to create a particularly favorable environment for the production of wine.
More Aglianico
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and Wine Spectator's Best of 2012 List
Di Majo Norante Contado Molise Aglianico
with an Interesting Food Pairing
Fall Dinners - Fall Wines Aglianico Del Vulture by Bisceglia pairs well this Fall Dinner
Just Like Being in Italy. Bivio, Authentic Handcrafted Pizze in the True Napoletana Tradition!
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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