The UnCorker

Zimberno Aglianico Del Vulture 2005

With only 600,00 occupants, Basilicata is one of Italy’s least populated regions, and probably the least important (viticulturally speaking)- with only one DOC to speak of, and that accounting for less then 2% of production. But what a DOC; Aglianico del Vulture, 1000 acres of volcanic soils on the slopes of the extinct Mount Vulture. Along with the Aglianico’s of Taurasi, these are some of the last grapes to be picked in all of Italy- hot days, cool nights, mineral rich volcanic soils, and low yields of a grape perfectly suited to its enviornment make for a tannic wine with the huge potential of Nebbiolo or Sangiovese for character and ageability. Aglianico can be stubborn, and many producers are adding French oak barriques to their repertoire, to tame and refine it a bit.

This is Michele LaLuce’s “Zimberno,”  a single vineyard Aglianico from young vines. It’s medium bodied, but with dark garnet color, and packed with complex flavors.  Intensly dark juicy briary fruit, plums, and violets- great minerality and acidity with the hallmark aromas of tobacco, cocoa and tar.  Quite dry and austere on the finish - enjoyable now, if a little challenging, and might really sing in another couple of years.

Taurasi Terredora Dipaolo 2001

100 % Aglianico from Campania, spends two years in new french oak barriques- dense and chewy with a nice tannic bite. Aglianico is fast becoming fashionable, and for good reason, Taurasi produces Aglianico with depth and intrigue. This wine has sure has great dark fruit, but then it has smoky earth and a herbaceaous minty menthol that makes this wine compelling- definitely a wine that benefits from a decanting-enjoy now or give it a couple years.