If you are looking for a grape with real character, Aglianico is a fantastic place to start. This dark-skinned variety is most closely associated with southern Italy, especially the volcanic slopes of Campania and the regions that produce Aglianico del Vulture. It is well known for making wines with depth, and it often shows flavours of black cherry, plum and fig, alongside warming spice notes such as cocoa and clove.

In the glass, Aglianico wines tend to be richly coloured, with firm tannins and a bright, natural acidity. That balance is one of the reasons it pairs so naturally with hearty food. Think grilled meats, slow-cooked ragù, mushroom dishes, and mature cheeses.

While some bottlings are approachable in their youth, many benefit from a bit of bottle age, which can soften the tannins and add layers of savoury complexity. Whether you enjoy bold reds or you are curious about what makes Italian grape varieties so distinctive, Aglianico is a grape that delivers.