Italy — wine

Taurasi DOCG

The greatest red wine of southern Italy; the 'Barolo of the South' from Aglianico grown on volcanic and clay soils in Campania's Irpinia hills at 400-700m altitude. Aglianico ripens very late (October), building extraordinary tannin and acidity; minimum 3 years aging required (4 for riserva). Mastroberardino dominated the DOCG for generations; Antonio Caggiano and Feudi di San Gregorio modernized it.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Warm but late-season cooling preserved Aglianico's natural acidity; excellent concentration
2021 Good ripening season; firm tannins and fresh acidity; decade-plus aging required for top wines
2020 Exceptional vintage; classic expression with balance of power and elegance; landmark Taurasi year
2019 Excellent balance; Aglianico ripened perfectly in October; structured wines of great aging potential
2018 Warm harvest; rich Aglianico with superb concentration; tannic backbone will need decades to resolve
2017 Good vintage; slightly warmer conditions produced wines with softer tannins accessible earlier.
2016 Landmark Taurasi vintage — Aglianico of extraordinary mineral depth and structural complexity.