Aglianico is a red-grape variety that is widely diffused in Basilicata and in Campania in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento, where it is known by the names of Gnanico, Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanica and Uva Nera. 
       It is of extremely ancient origin and some experts argue that it was cultivated in the early period of Roman history and constituted the principal grape in the production of Falernum, a wine that was celebrated by the ancient poets.

       The variety was introduced to Italy by the Greeks at the time of the foundation of the Avellino area, which is extensively planted in vines, produces excellent wines and its makers have effectively promoted them, including Taurasi, which has acquired an international reputation. 
       Dominated by an ancient Longobard castle that was enlarged by the Normans, the community of Taurasi is the center of the production of the red wine of the same name. Taurasi is of extremely ancient origin. It is a wine of great body and structure, dry and austere, with an aromatic vein. The wine must be aged for three years, of which one in chestnut or oak casks. In the three succeeding years, the wine can be tasted in the fullness of its quality and is particularly good as an accompaniment to roasted red meats. 
       The variety from which it is made, Aglianico, was introduced by Hellenic peoples around the time of the foundation of Cumae (Cuma). The variety is found in virtually the whole of southern Italy but the wines produced from it are considerably different, depending upon the places where the vines grow. However, Campania is clearly one of its best habitats.

       Aglianico has a cluster of medium size that is cylindrical-conical in shape. The grapes are round and blue in color.mae (the modern Cuma) or soon afterward, while the transformation of the name from Hellenica into Hellanica and then into Aglianico occurred at the end of the 15th century, the period of Aragonese domination over the Kingdom of Naples. 

Map of the production area

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