Aglianico Beneventano

Aglianico Beneventano: a Wine with a Legendary Name

Aglianico Beneventano wine, or simply Aglianico, is an Italian red wine produced in the areas of Campania, Basilicata and Puglia. The origin of the name is wrapped up in a legend which tells of a battle between two populations, the Greeks and the Samnites, which took place in the 4th century aC and which is remembered as the Battle of Benevento.

According to legend, the Greek army was defeated and the surviving soldiers fled south on foot, taking the Aglianico vines with them. Since then, Aglianico wine has been considered a sort of wine of memory, a precious testimony to the history and culture of these lands.

Aglianico has a long history of production, which dates back to at least the 16th century, when it was mentioned for the first time by a Neapolitan author, Giovan Battista della Porta. Since then, Aglianico wine has been recognized as one of the best Italian red wines, appreciated by enthusiasts from all over the world.

Characteristics of the Aglianico Beneventano wine

Aglianico wine is a full-bodied, intense and balanced red wine. Its color is intense and tends towards garnet and can vary according to the type: young wines are ruby red, while aged wines tend towards garnet.

The scent is intense and complex, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, tobacco and chocolate. The palate is soft, with good acidity and well-balanced tannins. The flavor is persistent and rich, with nuances of ripe fruit, spices, vanilla and chocolate.

Aglianico is also a wine with good longevity: young wines can be drunk after a couple of years, while aged wines can be kept for several years.

How can I best taste an Aglianico Beneventano?

To best taste an Aglianico Beneventano, you need to keep in mind some rules. The wine is best served at a temperature of 16-18 degrees, and should be tasted in a large glass that enhances its characteristics.

During the tasting, attention must be paid to the colour, aroma and flavour. You have to taste the wine slowly, in order to appreciate all the characteristics of the wine. Once tasted, it is important to consider the intensity of the flavors and the sensations that the wine leaves in the mouth.

How to Pair an Aglianico Beneventano?

Aglianico is a wine that goes well with meat and game dishes, such as jugged hare, game, roast rabbit, pork, braised beef or game in sauce. It also goes well with aged cheeses, such as Castelmagno or Pecorino Toscano.

For those who love sweeter wines, Aglianico is an excellent match with fruit desserts, such as stewed apples, apple pie or fruit tart.

In conclusion Aglianico Beneventano is a full-bodied and intense Italian red wine, with a history full of legends and excellent quality products. Its rich and complex aroma and its persistent and rich flavor make it an ideal wine to accompany meat dishes, game, aged cheeses and fruit desserts. It is a wine that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.