Elena Fucci
Titolo Aglianico del Vulture
Basilicata, Italy
I have had more underwhelming Aglianicos than wines of any other supposedly noble grape (not counting many disappointing Malbecs in this calculation because in no way is Malbec noble . . . but I digress). So many are overextracted, tannic, scorchy messes. But this one is very good. The nose displays intense smoky, stony minerality (yes, evocative of volcanic soil). There’s also an animal note on top of the very dark cherry fruit. In the mouth the intense minerality leads again, with smoky, savory notes. But there is some fruit there, and the tannins, while still making themselves felt, are in check. Nice acids too. This is a really distinctive and nicely done take on this obviously tricky varietal.
I have had more underwhelming Aglianicos than wines of any other supposedly noble grape (not counting many disappointing Malbecs in this calculation because in no way is Malbec noble . . . but I digress). So many are overextracted, tannic, scorchy messes. But this one is very good. The nose displays intense smoky, stony minerality (yes, evocative of volcanic soil). There’s also an animal note on top of the very dark cherry fruit. In the mouth the intense minerality leads again, with smoky, savory notes. But there is some fruit there, and the tannins, while still making themselves felt, are in check. Nice acids too. This is a really distinctive and nicely done take on this obviously tricky varietal.
Apr 9th, 2021
Gamey and funky aroma with lots of yummy fruit when you sip—blueberry and dark cherry, with a long finish, a little briny undertone, puckering acid. Was lovely with a ragu. 👏🏾
Gamey and funky aroma with lots of yummy fruit when you sip—blueberry and dark cherry, with a long finish, a little briny undertone, puckering acid. Was lovely with a ragu. 👏🏾
Feb 7th, 2021
A very strange nose of floral honey. A taut wine, perhaps needs quite a few note years to be fully enjoyed.
A very strange nose of floral honey. A taut wine, perhaps needs quite a few note years to be fully enjoyed.
Mar 27th, 2021Very expressive. Brooding blood aromas,, mineral, structures are all balanced. followed by fine tannins. Great
Very expressive. Brooding blood aromas,, mineral, structures are all balanced. followed by fine tannins. Great
Dec 22nd, 2020
Long future ahead. This is one of those great, volcanic Anglianicos, and I have never had a young Taurasi that was as compelling.
Long future ahead. This is one of those great, volcanic Anglianicos, and I have never had a young Taurasi that was as compelling.
Nov 5th, 2018This just smells like volcanic ashe and blueberries. BlackBerry,blueberry, and volcanic rocks. This is balanced well by nice acidity and minerality.
This is the best recent vintage of this wine. Very enjoyable and good value at sub $30.
This just smells like volcanic ashe and blueberries. BlackBerry,blueberry, and volcanic rocks. This is balanced well by nice acidity and minerality.
This is the best recent vintage of this wine. Very enjoyable and good value at sub $30.
Very dark purple, almost black on the eye. Rim variation moving lighter, almost to white at rim, medium+ viscosity, medium staining. Nose sees sulfur, chocolate, ripe dark plums, blackberries, nail polish remover, maybe some aged/caramelized vinegar. Palette sees medium+ acid, healthy dose of dry tannins, more dark fruits and chocolate. Lots of age left in this one, but especially striking was the interesting nose and well-balanced tannins/acid, even in this young wine. Looking forward to trying this vintage again in 5 years.
Very dark purple, almost black on the eye. Rim variation moving lighter, almost to white at rim, medium+ viscosity, medium staining. Nose sees sulfur, chocolate, ripe dark plums, blackberries, nail polish remover, maybe some aged/caramelized vinegar. Palette sees medium+ acid, healthy dose of dry tannins, more dark fruits and chocolate. Lots of age left in this one, but especially striking was the interesting nose and well-balanced tannins/acid, even in this young wine. Looking forward to trying this vintage again in 5 years.
Jun 5th, 2017
Opened about 12 hours before consumption — solid decision. Lots of licorice and herbal notes. About 90 minutes later, tart black cherries.
Opened about 12 hours before consumption — solid decision. Lots of licorice and herbal notes. About 90 minutes later, tart black cherries.
Oct 21st, 2018