For a classic pairing of full flavored Italian cuisine, try a wine from southern Italy’s Campania region. Campania is a wine-producing region that runs along the eastern coast of southern Italy and encompasses Naples and the surrounding area. Naples is the major city of Campania.

The high-quality grape used for red wine production in the region is Aglianico. The Aglianico grape produces a medium-to-full-bodied red wine. Although you can enjoy Aglianico as a young wine, it has excellent aging potential. Known as the “Nebbiolo of the South”, wines produced from this grape can compete with many Barolos and Barbaresco in flavor profile and longevity – at a value price.

A most enjoyable example of Aglianico from Campania is theTerredora Dipaolo 2008 Aglianico Campania IGT – Imported by Vias Imports LTD.

Tasting notes: An attractive dark ruby colored wine in the glass, with generous aromas of ripe berries and spice notes. The Terredora Aglianico 2008 is a medium-bodied wine with a smooth mouth-feel and flavors of ripe dark fruit, dry spice notes and a very subtle oak influence. Light well-balanced tannins and a satisfying finish complete the wine.

 

Pairing ideas: Classic Italian pasta dishes like lasagna or pasta with meat sauce, antipasto plates with sliced meats, grilled pork or chicken.