Italian wines, the most diverse collection of wines in the world, with over 20 wine regions, and Cantine Mediterranee hits the nail on the head with HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP - a fine example of Campania ’s ancient vine-growing tradition and the bold, yet noble quality of the Aglianico grape. This review takes a look at its historical importance, careful production, rich sensory experience, and gastronomic versatility, providing a fun guide to the unique red wine.

Aglianico in Campania, From the Ancients to the Storied

Aglianico, known as the “Nebbiolo of the South,” has a noble standing in Italy’s list of preferred grapes and thrives in the volcanic soils of Campania. It was brought by Greek colonisers in the 7th century BCE; the vine was known as “Ellenico” in Southern Italy. With a history that dates back thousands of years, HORECA’s Aglianico Campania IGP combines ancestral roots with the vibrant terrains of Campania’s sun-bathed hills.

Viticulture in Campania, and specifically around Mount Vesuvius and in Irpinia, has shaped the grape for centuries. The volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate of the area give the wines a unique minerality and intensity that have established them as among the bedrock of Southern Italy’s winemaking. And with the highest production standards, this wine is a symbol of Campania’s continued devotion to quality and tradition, and it asks for an invitation to relive its story.

The Making of HORECA Aglianico

The development of HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP represents Cantine Mediterranee’s commitment to precision and provenance, turning Aglianico grapes into a wine of incredible depth. Harvested from Campania’s mineral-rich vineyards, the production combines contemporary methods with centuries-old tradition. Every stage of the process, from vine to bottle, has been created to reveal the grape’s natural complexity and the beautiful terroir of the region.

Vineyard Selection and Terroir

HORECA Aglianico ripens on the clayey-calcareous soil of Campania, fed by ash from Mount Vesuvius and limestone. These vineyards are located between 550 and 600 meters, and as a result, they produce soft and ripe wine, being able to reach the ideal sugar concentration and maintain the grape acidity. This terroir contributes deep minerality and strong structure, the cornerstones of the wine’s bold yet managed personality.

In this warm, sunny, dry climate of Campania, you can smell the ripe, perspiring fruit, taste it as the other warm nights on the vineyards this fall induced ripeness of extracted phenols. This meticulously chosen vineyard placement adds to the connection the wine has with the land and the environment, with each bottle being a piece of the Campania landscape incarnate. The result is a wine that is very articulate about its origins, one that gives a sense of the geological and climatic bounty of the region.

Vinification and Maturation

A careful hand-picking of the grapes, gentle pressing to extract the lively nuances of colour and firm tannins, as well as a controlled-temperature maceration lasting 10 to 15 days. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the grape’s natural fruit flavours, and processed with MLF to reduce acidity in the wine while simultaneously bolstering the fruit and enriching the wine. The wine spends a brief period of maturation, usually in stainless steel or neutral vessels, preserving the natural varietal fruit and avoiding the use of overwhelming oak.

It’s this minimalist way of ageing that guarantees the wine retains the essence of what Aglianico is about: its fruit and place over the character that can be gained through the use of oak. It makes for a wine that is strong yet accessible, a treat both for the present and to prepare for what will come, plus the structure which will ensure the drinking pleasure in the future, too. Cantine Mediterranee’s skill shows in their ability to deliver an elegant bottle consistently.

A Sensuous Journey: Tasting HORECA Aglianico

HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP—This wine is striking with colour, aromatics, and presence on the palate. The 2016 HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP is textbook Aglianico: benchmark variety. The garnet hints set off the deep ruby red colour that denotes the wine's concentration and ageing capacity. This wine is an exploration in taste, harmonising power, and finesse.

Visual and Aromatic Allure

In the glass, it reveals a bright ruby red core with slight garnet reflections, which particularly suggests its depth and ageing potential. The bouquet develops a multi-layered bouquet of dark fruit, such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry, with accents of violet and rose. I find deep and subtle hints of leather, tobacco, and smoky minerality, from the volcanic soils of Campania, add layers of intrigue, so that each sniff is a discovery.

This olfactory wealth opens out onto Burgundian wine with depth and elegance, fully presenting the refinement and potential of the wine. It’s a complex dance of fruit, florals, and earthiness, and one that’s as thought-provoking as it is inviting. The nose alone tastes of Campania’s rugged beauty and viticultural history.

Palate and Finish

HORECA Aglianico on the palate expresses a muscular structure, with firm tannins that are still supple and not hard. It tastes rich in blackberry, dark cherry, and spice, but the balance is provided by brisk acidity that keeps it fresh and moving. The finish is very long and elegant, with the taste of fruit, earth, and a hint of smoke sitting on the palate and an impression of refinement on the nose end.

The harmonious palate completes the bold, yet easy-drinking profile, suitable for both rookie and experienced drinkers. Its velvety-yet-structured texture gives it that much more versatility, while the finish adds a touch of sophistication. This is a wine that shows the love and attention that went into it.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP’s firm structure and vibrant acidity pair well with hearty, bold recipes. It's got a slightly modest 12.5-13% alcohol, which pairs well with all those rich flavours but won't knock you over the head. Enjoy at 18°C to enhance dishes, whether an everyday meal or a fine dining evening.

Pairing with Robust Flavours

The structured tannins of the wine and opulent nature of the fruit notes set the stage for the enjoyment of the wine’s flavours alongside red meats, robust pastas, and aged cheeses, where the acidity of the wine is razor-sharp through the richness of fats to allow our palates to experience peak flavour. Grilled steak, slow-roasted lamb, or game, venison in particular, are fine matches, with the wine’s intensity meeting the dishes’ depth. For pasta, ragù, risotto ai funghi, or lasagna al ragù with wild mushroom risotto or lasagna with meat sauce, find the perfect match, while aged Pecorino, tangy cheddar cheeses, and bold, earthy profiles.

These pairings exemplify the wine’s ability to enhance rich ingredients, which makes it well-suited to fall feasting or winter dining. It can also work with Mediterranean-influenced fare like eggplant parmigiana, because its fruit and acidity go well with tomato-based sauces. It will be a dependable option for hosts featuring varied menus, pleasing crowds with a bold, but not overpowering, profile.

Serving and Storage Practices

To enjoy HORECA Aglianico fully, serve in a wide-bowled red wine glass to allow aromas to open up and tannins to soften. Decant 20-30 minutes before serving for optimal flavour expression and integration of younger bottles. Keep it in a cool, dark place at 15°C, if possible lying down, and drink within 5-8 years for its developing complexity.

These serving methods will allow the aromas and fine flavours of the wine to be expressed to the fullest, while enhancing the complexity and sensation in your mouth. Appropriate cellaring certainly will not hurt it, and it will enable the wine to gain depth. It is this attention to minutiae that turns a nice wine into a memorable one.

Cultural Resonance and Social Connection

HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP is more than a drink; it is a demonstration of Campania’s traditions and the local people’s love of life. Its daring personality centres the soul of any get-together, whether it’s a cosy meal for two or a party of many. The wine’s genuineness and affordability appeal to those looking for a sip of Southern Italy’s soul.

A Symbol of Campania’s Pride

In Campania, Aglianico is more than a grape; it’s a symbol of regional character, centuries of winemaking tradition, and resilience. HORECA Aglianico encompasses this heritage, challenged by being a friendly and deep face of the variety, seducing both local and international wine-passionate people. Attractive and easygoing, it is the epitome of Campania’s past and connects to its present cosmopolitan audience by its lower cost.

This is a wine that brings people together with shared glasses and shared meals. It’s a brand with a global reach (included are wines exported to markets across the world) that is a testament to Italy’s winemaking prestige and the immutability that is grounded in its home region. Each glass toasts Campania’s soil, toiling residents, and centuries-old love of grape-growing.

Sustainability and Community Effects

Like many local producers, Cantine Mediterranee leases sustainable practices, emphasising organic viticulture and the conservation of water to preserve the ecosystems of Campania. Local cooperatives, which band small growers together, buttress the region’s economy and protect its winemaking legacy. These endeavours increase the wine’s worth; they fit in with modern things like being eco-friendly and “giving something back.”

Sustainability

Allowing the vineyards of Campania to flourish for generations to come, preserving the viticultural heritage of the region.

Community

The cooperative model provides a powerhouse, developing communities that are both vibrant and proud.

This focus on ethics and innovation is what makes HORECA Aglianico a wine of taste, but also a wine of conscience.

Potential for Ageing: A Cellar Wine

Gastronomy: The HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP also brings immediate pleasure and ensures a long, rewarding ageing. The high tannins and acidity indicate this wine will age, with a softening of fruit and added complexity. Keep it with care, and it'll age beautifully for a decade or more.

In its youth, the wine’s copious fruit and zesty tannins make it easy to drink with everyday meals and with little preparation. Over 5-10 years, it evolves, with softer tannins and complex flavours (dried figs, leather, spices), as well as the smoky minerality of the volcanic terroir becoming more pronounced. Its ageing potential is attractive to collectors and patient fans, providing a shifting tasting experience over time.

Conclusion: Toasting to Campania for a Year of Bold Revelry

HORECA Aglianico Campania IGP is a tribute to Southern Italy’s oenological heritage, combining power with elegance. From its enticing nose to its structured palate and broad food-canvas of a finish, it is something of a standout for both kicking around and finer dining. Deeply tied to the volcanic soils of Campania and the region’s ancient traditions, it is a profound representation of its lineage.

With the combination of price, ageing potential, and cultural relevance, this wine is a must-have in any wine lover’s cellar. Cantine Mediterranee ensures the perfect balance of traditional production and modern approach with this wine. Here’s to HORECA Aglianico - a lively homage to Campania’s ancient heritage.