D’Angelo Aglianico Del Vulture

Basilicata, Italy has become one of the hottest wine regions in recent years for powerful, fascinating, deliciously drinkable, majorly food-friendly wines. Aglianico is the star grape of this region, which loves hot climates and rich volcanic soils of both the Camopania region (in Taurasi) and the neighboring region of Basilicata (in Monte Vulture). The soils adds a smokyness to the wines along with the rich, smooth texture and aromas of black fruits, dark chocolate, coffee, minerals and smoke. Its a big, savory and bold wine with big firm tannins and an inky purple color. Aglianico being the star red in this picture today.

D’Angelo Aglianico Del Vulture 2015

D'Angelo is a historical family estate in the heart of the major appellation of Italy's deep Southern region of Basilicata. Producing wine on the slopes of mount Vulture, extinct volcano since the 1930’s. The estate focuses on the Aglianico grape, which is king in southern Italy. Aged in large neutral barrels.

Garnet red color that would look lovely as a pendant on a necklace (just saying).

Swirl and it has an aroma hit of crisp and juicy raspberry, rhubarb, anise, smokey sandal wood.

Sip and it’s wallop packed full of flavor and intensity but not OTT. It has a lovely balance, silky soft tannins, juicy red raspberry, anise, cherry, dried thyme, cherry tomatoes, fennel, garigue, woody savory finish and length that’s totally crowd pleasing.

This wine begs to be enjoyed with pizza - so I answered the call and was only happy to accomodate. I made smoked ham and wild mushroom pizza as well as smoked ham. It would also pair nicely with caponata, arancini YUMMMMM I’m making myself hungry.