WTN: 2005 di Maio Norante Contado Aglianico, Molise (Italy)

Part of my recent attempts to understand some of the more obscure but worthy grapes of Europe. After my recent poking around in Portugal, I've moved over to Italy to investigate some Aglianico.

Quite dark, but some light bricking/orange present. Not much going on with the nose: lightly spicy with a lifted VA hint. Pretty chunky on the palate, with dark cherry/Robitussin fruit submerged in some powdered lava rock. Hints of tar and black tea, substantial tannins. Not globby, as there is a nice acidity to balance it all. I don't pick up the oak that is sometimes mentioned in connection with this wine. Fairly nice finish. Might increase in complexity with time (as it does over 2+ hours in the glass), but not super complex at the moment. Not bad, and somehow seems Italian. $12/13.5% abv.

It would be great to see some Aglianico action here on the forum Joe. My fave store downtown has a minimum of six to choose from right now!

I believe the Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico is the one to look out for. If you want to try another one Joe, perhaps we could start an Open Mike? I am game for sure.

It would be great to see some Aglianico action here on the forum Joe. My fave store downtown has a minimum of six to choose from right now!

I believe the Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico is the one to look out for. If you want to try another one Joe, perhaps we could start an Open Mike? I am game for sure.

I might be up to try another bottle or two in the near future. Which bottling of the Feudi di San Gregorio are you referring to?
They appear to make several different levels, some of them priced out of my usual everyday drinking range.

Joe, probably the Rubrato. But there is quite a selection in other areas of our province!

It would be great to see some Aglianico action here on the forum Joe. My fave store downtown has a minimum of six to choose from right now!

I believe the Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico is the one to look out for. If you want to try another one Joe, perhaps we could start an Open Mike? I am game for sure.

If someone starts an OM, I will crack one or two of mine from Feudi San Gregorio. The last ones tried have been rather massive and over oaky and I tend to prefer their excellent whites which don't suffer from that vice. Some people prefer the Taurasi, etc. from Mastroberadino but I haven't tasted any for many years. A couple of years ago, I was very impressed by the Aglianico del Vulture (Basilicata) from Cantine del Notaio but last autumn they did not move me so much; mood, excessive ambient temperature?

The best Aglianico wine I have tried was back a few years: 1999 Re Manfredi Terre degli Svevi . Unlike almost every other Aglianico, it was all perfume & grace, really like a Vosne-Romanee! I have not seen this wine/producer in the Chicago market since the 2000 vintage (which was also very good). I thought I posted my tasting note on this board, but I can't find it.
I am told this producer still makes a great Aglianico.

Marco

Aglianico, Tim is ready to open! If someone starts an OM, I will crack one or two of mine from Feudi San Gregorio

Sounds like a great idea, perhaps in a couple of weeks. There again, Robin will be looking for some Feb Focus ideas soon!