Italy — wine

Taurasi

Campania's most important red wine DOCG and one of Italy's most underappreciated great reds — the Calore River valley in the Campanian Apennines producing 100% Aglianico of extraordinary structure, mineral depth, and longevity. Taurasi is Italy's 'Barolo of the South' — sharing Barolo's thick skins, elevated tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential (the finest examples develop over 20-30 years). The volcanic, clay, and limestone soils of the Irpinia hills at 400-700m elevation create ideal conditions for Aglianico's late ripening (harvested in November, long after most Italian reds). The DOCG requires a minimum of 3 years aging (4 for Riserva).

Year Rating Notes
2022 Outstanding Taurasi vintage; Aglianico from Campanian Apennine volcanic clay showed extraordinary dark fruit concentration and the region's characteristic iron-mineral structure.
2021 Classic vintage; Irpinia hills' altitude preserved freshness in warm Italian conditions; Aglianico of excellent structure and dark cherry depth.
2020 Benchmark year; Mastroberardino Radici and Feudi di San Gregorio both produced wines of historic quality; Taurasi's 'Barolo del Sud' reputation confirmed internationally.
2019 Greatest Taurasi vintage of the modern era; Aglianico of legendary iron-mineral concentration and 30-year aging potential; DOCG prices rose dramatically.
2018 Warm vintage producing generous Taurasi of good concentration; volcanic clay soils retained structure; accessible with 5 years but rewards patience over 15.