Aglianico del Taburno DOCG is a prestigious red wine appellation from Campania’s Benevento province, established as DOCG in 2011. Made from 85–100% Aglianico grapes grown on volcanic soils at 200–700m elevation, it produces structured reds (€15–25) and elegant rosés (€12–18) known as the “Barolo of the South.”
The Ancient History of Aglianico del Taburno Wine
With a legacy tracing back to Greek settlers and Roman praise, Aglianico is one of Italy’s most ancient grape varieties. Known historically as Ellenico, it was brought to Southern Italy by Greek colonists over 2,500 years ago. The Romans later prized it for producing deep, age-worthy wines, and ancient texts even referenced its cultivation on the slopes of the Taburno massif.
This DOCG zone has been producing wine for centuries, but its distinct identity was formally recognized in 1986 (as a DOC) and elevated to DOCG status in 2011.
Benevento Terroir: Where Volcanic Soils Meet Mountain Air
The Aglianico del Taburno DOCG zone lies on the slopes of Monte Taburno, near the historic town of Benevento in northern Campania. The vineyards stretch from 200 to 700 meters above sea level, offering a cooler microclimate that supports slow ripening and phenolic development.
Key terroir elements include:
- Volcanic soils rich in tuff, clay, and limestone
- Diurnal temperature swings, preserving acidity
- Elevated slopes, contributing to structure and aromatic complexity
This terroir is part of what makes Aglianico del Taburno distinct from its Campanian cousin, Taurasi.
Understanding the Noble Aglianico Grape
Aglianico is often compared to Nebbiolo due to its naturally high acidity, firm tannins, and ability to age gracefully. In Taburno, the grape expresses itself with slightly more finesse and floral lift than in neighboring Taurasi.
Styles include:
- Rosso: Deep, structured reds with black fruit, spice, and tobacco
- Rosato: Elegant, savory rosés with red berry and herbal notes
- Riserva: Aged reds with depth, power, and cellar potential
DOCG Regulations and Traditional Winemaking Methods
Aglianico del Taburno DOCG covers three main styles:
- Rosso: 85–100% Aglianico, aged a minimum of 2 years
- Rosato: 100% Aglianico, released after a short maturation
- Riserva: 85–100% Aglianico, aged a minimum of 3 years (at least 1 in wood)
Winemaking leans traditional, often using large Slavonian oak casks or neutral barrels to let the terroir shine. Modern producers may use small French oak for added structure and polish.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Style | Grape Composition | Aging Requirement | Price Range |
| Rosso | 85–100% Aglianico | 2 years | €15–25 |
| Riserva | 85–100% Aglianico | 3 years (1 in wood) | €25–40 |
| Rosato | 100% Aglianico | Short maturation | €12–18 |
Aglianico del Taburno Tasting Profile and Aging Potential
Expect wines of structure, character, and longevity.
- Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues as it ages
- Aromas: Black cherry, plum, violets, leather, tar, dried herbs
- Palate: Firm tannins, vibrant acidity, layered dark fruit and spice
- Aging: 8–15 years for Rosso; 15–20+ for Riserva; Rosato best young
These wines are a dream for collectors and adventurous wine lovers alike.
Perfect Food Pairings for Campania’s Bold Reds
- Rosso & Riserva: Braised lamb, aged caciocavallo cheese, wild boar ragu, grilled sausages
- Rosato: Grilled octopus, buffalo mozzarella, Caprese salad, pasta primavera
Tip: Serve Aglianico del Taburno Rosso at 18°C (64°F) and Rosato slightly chilled
Where to Buy Aglianico del Taburno (Top Producers & Pricing)
Look for these producers for benchmark expressions:
Top 5 Aglianico del Taburno Producers to Know
- Fattoria La Rivolta – Certified organic, refined and age-worthy
- Fontanavecchia – Iconic Riserva and beautifully expressive Rosato
- Torre del Pagus – Small production with intense volcanic minerality
- Cantina del Taburno – Cooperative with excellent value and consistency
- Azienda Agricola Nifo Sarrapochiello – Elegant, structured wines from volcanic slopes
Best value bottles under €20:
- Cantina del Taburno Rosso
- Fontanavecchia Rosato
Where to buy online:
- Eataly.it
- Callmewine.com
- Tannico.it
Aglianico del Taburno vs Taurasi: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Aglianico del Taburno | Taurasi |
| Region | Benevento, Campania | Avellino, Campania |
| Soils | Volcanic, clay, limestone | Ash-rich volcanic tuff |
| Altitude | 200–700m | 400–600m |
| Style | Structured, floral, elegant | Dense, powerful, brooding |
| Aging | 2–3 years (DOCG min) | 3–4 years (DOCG min) |
| Price Range | €15–40 | €25–70 |
Vintage Guide: When to Drink Your Aglianico del Taburno
| Vintage | Character | Best Window |
| 2020 | Bright, balanced | 2025–2030 |
| 2021 | Bold, structured | 2026–2032 |
| 2022 | Elegant, floral | 2025–2030 |
| 2023 | Still maturing | 2026 onward |
| 2024 | New release | 2026–2031 |
Tip: Decant young wines 1–2 hours before serving.
Visiting Aglianico del Taburno: A Wine Tourism Guide
- Best time to visit: September–October for harvest; May–June for wildflowers
- Tasting spots:
- Fattoria La Rivolta – Torrecuso (GPS: 41.1772, 14.6548)
- Fontanavecchia – Torrecuso
- Cantina del Taburno – Foglianise
- Nearby cultural stops:
- Benevento Roman Theatre
- Santa Sofia Church (UNESCO site)
- Local trattorie serving lagane e ceci or salsiccia e friarielli
How Aglianico del Taburno Compares to Other Italian Reds
- Vs. Barolo: Both age-worthy, tannic, complex — but Aglianico costs less and offers more immediate pleasure in youth
- Vs. Chianti Classico: Aglianico has darker fruit, firmer structure, and more aging potential
- Price-to-quality ratio: Exceptional — top-tier wines for under €30, where Barolo starts at €50+
FAQ on Aglianico del Taburno
Q: Is Aglianico del Taburno the same as Taurasi? A: No. Though both use the same grape, their terroirs and DOCG regulations differ.
Q: Can Aglianico del Taburno age? A: Yes. Riservas can evolve for 15–20 years.
Q: What does “Taburno” refer to? A: Monte Taburno, the mountain where vineyards are located.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Nicknamed the “Barolo of the South” for its structure and aging capacity
- The Falanghina & Aglianico Festival in Torrecuso celebrates the local grapes each September
- Aglianico vines are often head-trained and manually harvested due to steep terrain
- Wine from this region was once favored by Roman emperors
Call to Action
Craving a taste of Campania’s volcanic soul? Pick up a bottle of Aglianico del Taburno Rosso or Rosato and pair it with your next Italian dinner. Share your tasting experience with us on Instagram @DrinkItalian and tag your favorite producer!
