If you were to visit the province of Avellino, you shouldn’t be surprised if someone told you that in Irpinia, there is more Aglianico than water!
Of course, you should know that this is an exaggeration—a rhetorical flourish used by your host to impress you and raise a smile. It’s only an exaggeration because Irpinia is also a land of water (it is the largest water catchment area in Southern Italy), as well as wine. If that weren’t the case, this bold claim might almost be true.
The reason Aglianico is everywhere in these parts is that it is a variety that feels particularly at home in volcanic soils. This is why it reaches its finest expression in the province of Avellino and in the Vulture area, on the slopes of the great dormant volcano
To highlight its exceptional quality, some have called it the “Barolo of the South,” and we couldn’t agree more. After all, Aglianico is the “younger brother” of the world-famous Taurasi DOCG, which is produced through the prolonged aging of the same Aglianico grape.
Despite its famous sibling, Aglianico stands its ground and proudly claims its own unique qualities.
Producing it is by no means simple, primarily due to its firm, “angular” tannins. However, when properly vinified, it opens up a world of intense and inimitable sensations.
The Ministry of Agriculture recognized its significance by granting the Aglianico produced in Irpinia the DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) status.
We can say with reasonable certainty that everyone in the province of Avellino—from large-scale producers to weekend hobbyists—makes Aglianico. Wherever there is even a single square meter of land for cultivation, there is sure to be at least one Aglianico vine, and we at Cantine di Marzo are no exception.
In our Serrone vineyard, in Santa Lucia hamlet, in the municipality of Tufo, alongside our Greco DOCG Riserva, we cultivate rows of vines over 50 years old. These are the grapes we harvest for our Irpinia Aglianico DOC.
This ruby-red wine has its muscular structure and powerful tannins tamed through a careful process. After fermentation in stainless steel and 10 days of maceration on the skins, it is aged in third-passage barriques for approximately six months. During the spring, after the rising temperatures naturally complete the malolactic fermentation, we bottle about 6,000 units per year, which then refine in the cellar for another 4 months.
Our Irpinia Aglianico DOC retains all the characteristic vibrancy of the variety, while remaining remarkably harmonious and fresh on the palate despite its significant alcohol content
The bottles of Irpinia Aglianico Cantine di Marzo feature an illustration of an unusual celestial explorer who, having reached the sky, observes unknown worlds.
“In the eyes of that explorer from another time, one can sense the exhilaration that flight and the unknown bring to the soul. It is the same exhilaration that we hope those who uncork a bottle of our Irpinia Aglianico DOC will enjoy from the very first sip.”
Ferrante Di Somma, CEO of Cantine di Marzo
While our online shop currently serves customers within Italy, we are happy to provide international shipping for our global customers.
If you would like to order our Irpinia Aglianico DOC or any other label from abroad, please contact us directly at info@cantinedimarzo.it. Let us know your location and the number of bottles you require; we will provide a personalized quote including international shipping rates and delivery times
Once you’ve tried it, let us know if you liked it!
For those who prefer traditional retail, our Irpinia Aglianico DOC “Palazzo Line” is available in several major supermarket chains across Italy (including Campania, Piedmont, Lombardy, and Tuscany).
The label features the historic di Marzo family palace, from which the line takes its name. This is a high-quality wine at an attractive price point—perfect for a casual glass and as an introduction to the wines of Cantine di Marzo.
After the Aglianico DOC…
Are you ready to meet its “older brother”? The glorious Taurasi DOCG, made from the same Aglianico grape and renowned worldwide for its unique oenological and sensory profile.
Or, you could switch to our great Irpinian whites and discover the Fiano di Avellino DOCG.
