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The first DOCG in Southern Italy
Aglianico and the Taurasi
Many people thinking of Italy's great wine regions will start with names like Tuscany and Piedmont. However, there is an area in Southern Italy that deserves just as much attention, especially for those who love robust red wines: Taurasi. This is where Aglianico grapes come to life, and where the very first DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) in Southern Italy was created in 1993. We take you on a journey into the fascinating story of Aglianico grapes and Taurasi, the flagship red wine of "the Mezzogiorno" region.
Aglianico
Aglianico, an ancient and noble grape variety, has its roots deep in the history of Southern Italy. Although the precise origin is unclear, it is believed to be derived from "Hellenic," which means Greek. This suggests that the grape may have been introduced by the ancient Greeks.
The Aglianico grape thrives in the hills and valleys of Campania and Basilicata, where the climate and volcanic soil are perfect for its growth. The grapes produce wines with deep colors, rich flavors of dark berries and spicy notes, as well as powerful tannins that make them excellent for aging.
Aglianico grapes are harvested late in the season, usually in late October to even early November. This late harvest moment is important because the grapes need extra time to fully ripen and achieve their optimal balance of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds. This gives Aglianico grapes their distinctive complexity and depth of flavor, with aromas of dark berries, herbs, and spices.
Taurasi
Taurasi, a town located in the province of Avellino in Campania, is the epicenter of Aglianico production. The vineyards around Taurasi have a long history dating back to Roman times, and the region is known for its impressive Aglianico wines.
The starring role belongs to the eponymous Taurasi DOCG wines; they are intense, full-bodied, and complex. They often have notes of black cherries, plums, tobacco, and spices, with remarkable freshness and elegance despite their power. These wines can also age excellently, emphasizing their potential for improvement over the years.
The Year 1980
The story of Taurasi and the Aglianico grape is not complete without mentioning a tragic event that left deep scars in the region. In 1980, Irpinia, the region where Taurasi is located, was hit by a devastating earthquake. This natural disaster had enormous consequences for the local community and the wine industry in the area.
The earthquake not only destroyed homes and infrastructure but also damaged the historic wine cellars and vineyards in Irpinia. Many winemakers lost their life's work, and it took years of recovery and reconstruction to restore wine production in the region. Despite the hardships brought by the earthquake, the local communities showed admirable resilience and determination to preserve their heritage and traditions.
Resurrection
The reconstruction period also offered an opportunity for innovation and improvement in winemaking practices in Irpinia. Many winemakers invested in modern technologies and cellar facilities, leading to an overall improvement in the quality of Taurasi wines. The determination to recover after the earthquake and the continued dedication to the Aglianico grape ultimately made Taurasi and Irpinia stronger.
The First DOCG
This resurrection reached its climax in 1993 when Taurasi was awarded the prestigious DOCG status, the highest recognition for Italian wine regions. This distinction marked a turning point for the region and the Aglianico wines produced there. It was the very first DOCG in Southern Italy and underscored the exceptional quality of Taurasi wines.
To achieve DOCG status, wines must meet strict standards, including stringent rules regarding grape cultivation and winemaking processes. This further enhanced the reputation of Taurasi wines and garnered international recognition.
Our Three Aglianicos from Taurasi
Giuseppe Caggiano along with his father Antonio produces three Aglianico wines. The Taurì, the Taurasini, and the Taurasi DOCG. Each of them possesses the characteristic power of the Aglianico grape but with different aging periods. The Taurì ages for 4 months in oak barrels, the Taurasini for 10 months, and the Taurasi for 14-16 months.
The longer the Aglianico ages, the spicier she becomes. The Taurasini and Taurasi have distinct notes of tobacco and licorice. Every good Aglianico is well-balanced, with its strong acidity offset by the relatively high alcohol content, structure, and robust tannins.
A Wine You Must Try
Aglianico grapes and the Taurasi wines that result from them are the gems of Southern Italy. With their rich history, deep flavors, and elegant complexity, they have earned their rightful place on the world stage. The fact that Taurasi produced the very first DOCG in Southern Italy underscores the extraordinary quality and potential of this region. So, the next time you're looking for an unforgettable Italian wine experience, don't forget to try a bottle of Taurasi and pay tribute to the Aglianico grape and its historic homeland.
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