Region: Campania

Zone:

Aglianico del Taburno DOC (Taburno DOC)

On the slopes at the base of Monte Taburno (4,570 ft.), in the Taburno massif west of Benevento and 1640-1970 feet above sea level, lies the production zone, Aglianico del Taburno, or simply Taburno DOC. It includes 13 communes and makes quite noteworthy wines.

As the name implies, the main grape is Aglianico, but don't be confused by labels with names such as, Gnanico, Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanica and Uva Nera. These are all local names for the same grape variety, Aglianico.

The tradition for wine cultivation dates back for centuries, and some experts assert that wine was cultivated here during the earliest periods of Roman history, and that Aglianico was the most important grape in the production of ancient Rome's "Falernum", a wine that was praised by many ancient poets.

Aglianico was brought to Italy by the Greeks prior to the founding of Cumae (the modern-day Cuma) or at least a short time thereafter. The grape's name was not originally Aglianico, but Hellenica. It was changed at some point to Hellanica, and finally, at the end of the 15th century, to Aglianico.

As mentioned, Aglianico del Taburno lies partially in the Benevento province, and partially in the Avellino province, and the area is characterized by high hills with distinctly chilly nights and often harsh winters. Fortunately, Aglianico has adapted to these conditions, and gives a nice and consistent quality.

Previously there was only a red wine and a rosé (Rosato) in this zone, but in 1993, they set up a so-called twin DOC under the name Taburno DOC. Under Taburno, there are seven quite interesting red and white wines, including a Spumante and a Novello.

Read more about the wines from Aglianico del Taburno DOC (Taburno DOC) by clicking i the top menu in the right side.