History |
Would seem to have been introduced by the Ancient Greeks along the Mediterranean coast at the time of the formation of colonies in Italy around VI VII B.C. This might explain the existence of synonyms such as Ellenico, Ellenica and Ellanico which subsequently evolved into 'Aglianico' during the Spanish Domination of XV-XVI A.D. as the double 'll' of the early name sounds like the Italian 'gli'. There is also a hypothesis that the name derives from the Greek 'aglianos', clear and shining, suggesting perhaps clear and shining by contrast with other wines of Campania such as Lacrima and Mangiaguerra, which are much darker. However the ancient name ' glianico' might also come from the Spanish 'llano' or plains/flat land from which might come 'wine from the plain' deriving from the domestication of wild vines. (Vines of Italy, Scienza, Calò, Costacurta). |
Soil composition |
Vine greatly suited to the hilly soils of mainly volcanic origin but also lime/clay. Exceptional results come from the ample, deep, clean, soft soils of Taurasi, where nothing else is grown. |
Cultivation system |
Avellinese rays in new vineyards, controespalier with 'cordon speronato'. |
Harvest |
End of October, early November, grapes are selected in vineyard and handpicked. |
Vinification |
Maceration for about 12 days, fermentation partially with autochthonous yeast starter, completed in French oak, refined in French wooden casks for 14 months. |