Scoring 19 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, the twenty-eight year old D’ Angelo1991 Aglianico Del Velture from Southern Italy was at peak.. It has 12% alcohol, and cost only $9 back when I got it. The wine was still garnet with an orange edge, filled with mineral ash notes over subtle wood, and black cooked fruits. It was as smooth as silk after decanting it an hour early. Ten people enjoyed it; two thought it was too old. It wasn’t. Just different from what they usually drink.
Vulture (vel-tor-ee) is not a bird, but a mountain in, Italy. This is the grape that makes the great Taurasi.
Aglianico grows best on volcanic soils and need at least a decade to mature. I like then 15 to 20 years old. The hold their color and fruits. They’re dry food wines designed to enhance the meal.
Robert Frank
I remember when D’Angelo Aglianico del Vulture was a bargain. Wish I’d loaded up. I’m not a fan of young Aglianico, especially from Basilatica, but with some good aging they transform into a beautiful and improved wine.