The vine is believed to have originally been cultivated in Greece by the Phocians from an ancestral vine that has not yet been identified. From Greece it was reached in Italy by the colonists at present-day Pozzuoli, and thence spread to various points in the regions of Campania and Basilicata.
Oenologist Denis Dubourdieu has said “Aglianico (al-YAN-ik-oh) is probably the grape with the longest consumer history of all.”
Aglianico- a variation of the word “Hellenico” -meaning Greek. An ancient Greek grape variety. Aglianico was originally accessed from Magna Grecia by Greek colonists. Throughout the last 25 years, this variety’s distinct qualities have been present at our vineyards in Atalanti Valley of Central Greece.
As a wine with great aging potential, its complex makeup of dark fruity aromas, full body, and long finish are aged for 18 months in French oak barriques in our underground cellars.
Wines made with Aglianico tend to be full bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, giving them good ageing potential.
In its youth, the Aglianico is very tannic and concentrated, requiring a few years of ageing before it becomes approachable, as it ages, the fruit becomes more pronounced and the tannins soften. Aglianico vines prefer warm, dry conditions and it ripens late.
Of course, we’d be elated to guide you through our curated selection of Greek indigenous grape varieties in person. After all, Cinque Wine & Deli is all about creating connections over a glass of good Greek wine, discussing the sensory extravaganza over rows of glasses ready for wine flights and answering your questions with our expertise and experience!
Visit us today and let us whisk you away on a gastronomic adventure through the treasures of Greece. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable memories! Yamas!
