2018 Contrade di Taurasi, Irpinia Rosso "Aglianico"

All of Sandro Lonardo’s Aglianico vines grow within the DOCG zone of Taurasi, a small hamlet in the hills northwest of Avellino. Surrounded by mountains and within the shadow of the active volcano Vesuvio, this is where Southern Italy’s most complex, noble red wines are born. Sandro could make only Taurasi if he chose, but instead he declassifies a good portion of the fruit and uses it to produce today’s breathtaking value. This most majestic expression of Aglianico grown on limestone and volcanic tuff is made all the more mind blowing by Sandro’s insistence on long aging before release. Yes, the comparison to great Nebbiolo is apt, but in truth this is a distinct, daringly delicious red that stands on its own among Italy’s very best. Check it out! Though it is only 45 minutes from Napoli, and a beautiful 90 minute drive from Amalfi, if you were to be beamed down into the countryside of the Avellino province you would have no idea how close you were to the sun baked beaches and throngs