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Aglianico Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Aglianico
Aglianico is a red wine produced from black grapes grown in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Basilicata and Campania. Its origins are unclear, but it's believed the vine originated in Greece and was brought to southern Italy by Greek traders.
Aglianico is known as the "Barolo of the South." It's often combined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce an Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wine, which is made by adding a foreign grape during fermentation.
While Aglianico is almost exclusively produced in Italy, its success has spurred the United States and Australia to begin growing its grapes. The vines prefer warm and dry climates, and the grapes ripen late in the season.
About Aglianico
Wines produced from Aglianico grapes are usually full-bodied and exhibit a lot of tannins and acidity. It's an ideal choice if you prefer a dry wine. When you take a drink from a bottle-aged about three years, you'll notice the chocolate and plum aromas as well as notes of cherry and stone fruits. If you're seeking a wine that gets better with age, Aglianico makes an excellent choice. Bottles aged for at least 10 years tend to have a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Thanks to its full-body and savory flavor, Aglianico pairs well with just about any food. One of the best foods you can enjoy with a glass of Aglianico is barbecue smoked meat, as the wine's high acidity highlights the flavors found in barbecue sauce. This wine is perfect for other rich meats such as rabbit, venison, steak, and prime rib.
If you're trying to pair the wine with vegetables, opt for dishes that can match the wine's saltiness. Think beans, kale, and mushrooms. Salty cheeses such as provolone, asiago, and cheddar also work well with Aglianico. Also, since it's an Italian wine, it pairs well with all types of Italian dishes.
Types of Aglianico
When shopping for Aglianico, pay attention to the several different types of wine available as they all offer different flavor profiles.
- Taurasi: As the most famous Aglianico wine and considered the flagship wine of southern Italy, Taurasi contains at least 85% Aglianico and can be blended with Piedirosso, a wine from the Campania region. This wine must be aged at least 3 years, including one year in an oak barrel, while the TaurasiRiserva must rest for at least 4 years, with 18 months in a wood barrel. It is a rather dense wine containing strong tannins. The younger Taurasi has hints of dark spice and black cherry, while the flavor develops into hints of balsamic, tobacco, and truffle over time.
- Taburno: Grown around Mount Taburno in Campania, the Taburno wine typically is at least 85% Aglianico grapes with other red grapes permitted from the Campania area. It's an earthy wine with noticeable tannins and must be aged for at least 3 years. Taburno is usually the best priced of the Aglianico wines.
- Vulture: This full-bodied wine comes from grapes grown around Monte Vulture in the Basilicata region. The increased altitude provides a cooler climate, which prevents the grapes' sugar levels from increasing too quickly. This type of wine must be aged for at least one year, but its flavors intensify when it's aged for several years. You can taste hints of spice, black cherry, and dark chocolate.
How long does Aglianico last?
Should you have any Aglianico wine left in the bottle after enjoying a glass or two, the remainder will stay fresh for 3-4 days after opening. Unopened bottles of wine maintain their contents best by keeping them out of direct sunlight and at room temperature. When in doubt, you can put your bottle of Aglianico in the fridge. As with most wines, you'll get the best results by storing your bottle of Aglianico on its side.
Aglianico Near Me
Buy your favorite Aglianico online with Instacart. Order Aglianico from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Aglianico
Exposing red wine to temperatures just below 70°F can expose the fruits and aromatics presented in the wine. If the wine is too warm, it can present a sweeter and spicier flavor, which can overpower certain foods. It's best to serve your Aglianico wine slightly chilled, between 59-64.5°F.
As a wine high in tannins, Aglianico should be decanted three hours before drinking. However, if stored for 5 years or more, you can drink the wine immediately after opening.
If you're looking to save time shopping, decide on your Aglianico of choice when you order through Instacart. Once you've placed your order, an Instacart shopper will work on your order, and you can receive your Aglianico in as little as 2 hours!