2019 Vicus Irpinia Aglianico, Campania, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Made from 100% Aglianico, this wine comes from the Irpinia hills of inland Campania, where higher elevations and a cooler climate allow the grape to ripen slowly while retaining its naturally high acidity and tannic structure. Volcanic and clay-limestone soils contribute further mineral character and depth.

The grapes are harvested at full phenolic maturity before fermentation and maceration designed to extract the variety's characteristic color, tannin, and aromatic complexity. The wine is matured in oak, allowing its powerful structure to soften and develop secondary notes of spice, tobacco, and earth while maintaining the distinctive dark-fruit character of Aglianico.

The 2019 vintage is particularly well suited to the grape's age-worthy personality, offering ripe fruit alongside firm structure and refreshing acidity. With additional bottle age, the wine should develop increasingly complex notes of leather, dried flowers, tobacco, and forest floor. It pairs especially well with braised beef, lamb, wild boar ragù, grilled meats, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Vicus is a small Campanian wine producer focused on expressing the character of Irpinia's native varieties and mountainous terroir. The estate works within a region where altitude, volcanic influence, and a relatively cool growing season provide an important counterpoint to the warmer Mediterranean climate found elsewhere in Campania.

The producer's approach emphasizes careful vineyard management and traditional expression of Aglianico, allowing the grape's naturally firm tannins, acidity, and savory complexity to remain central to the wine. Thoughtful maturation gives the wine time to integrate its structure without sacrificing its sense of place.