Historically northern Italian wines (e.g., the ‘Killer B’s’ of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello) have had all the fun. Now, though, it’s increasingly obvious that the wines of the “mezzogiorno” (the boot’s bottom) have caught up. One of the greatest grapes to watch? Aglianico. Grown on volcanic soils, it has sufficient soulforce to compete with its northern cousins (they don’t call Aglianico the “Nebbiolo of the south” for nothing). Here, though, the wine‘s aged not in oak (for power) but in stainless steel (for freshness). The results are stunning: aromas of violets, and bright black berries on the palate. So, so pretty!
