Contrade de Taurasi (Cantine Lonardo), Taurasi DOCG

Our scintillating little Falanghina discovery this morning started us off on the beautiful Campanian coast, and now we get to make the virtual drive inland and up into the lush, volcanic hills surrounding Avellino. Here is where you will find the home base of Southern Italy’s most noble, and most exciting, red grape: Aglianico! Grown at high altitudes in soils chock full of tuff, a.k.a. rocks formed by volcanic eruptions, the best red wines of Taurasi explode with aromatic complexity and powerful, yet elegantly framed structure. Small wonder that they’re often referred to as the “Barolos of the South.” But the winemaking culture here actually predates that of Piedmont, going back to the ancient Greeks, and at their pinnacle these wines are among the most profound and eye-opening drinking experiences one can enjoy. The tiny production 2015 from Sandro Lonardo is exactly that sort of revelation, and at eight plus years it is just beginning to hit peak deliciousness. Grab some for now, an