The late-ripening Aglianico grape is undoubtedly one of Italy’s great red varieties alongside Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Often called “Barolo of the South,” this moniker only scratches the surface yet speaks to the variety’s ability to express finesse and pedigree from a multitude of unique vineyard sites.

Some of the most exciting bottlings come from the Vulture region in Basilicata, where vines are planted on the volcanic soils of the dormant Monte Vulture volcano. Depending on vineyard location up and down slope of mountain, the resulting wines can generally be delicate and earthy (closer to the top) or plush and velvety (further down the slope), with those from vineyard sites in between the two offering the best of both worlds.