Ocone Aglianico "Vigna Pezza la Corte" '11

In the words of famed wine writer Jancis Robinson, ”There are some grape varieties that, like Cary Grant and Catherine Deneuve, exude class.” She was talking about Aglianico (ah-L’YEE’AH-nee-koh), and we couldn’t agree more. Found mostly in mountainous southern Italy, and sometimes described as the Nebbiolo of the south, Aglianico is equally ageworthy, a quality attributed to both its characteristic elevated acidity and high tannins. Indeed, there is arguably no other red in southern Italy that rivals its ability to age. Founded in 1910, Ocone is a small family-run winery located near Naples, in the foothills of Mount Taburno, and practices organic farming.

With a darker fruit profile than either Sangiovese or Nebbiolo, Ocone’s Ocone “Vigna Pezza La Corte” has aromas of dark cherry, berry fruit, and fig, as well as savory notes of dried herbs and smoke. It’s complex and food friendly, striking a balance between savory, mineral, and fruit characteristics. Pair it with smoked meats; salty, aged cheeses; and roasted meats such as lamb and beef.