D'Angelo Aglianico Sacravite Basilicata 2018

Aglianico is just the best-kept secret in Italian wine. If you like ‘em juicy and fresh, spicy and smooth –  this is the wine for you! From the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, this aglianico is just the perfect dinner companion…pasta, pizza, roasts, burgers…and so much more! Under $12 means you need no fewer than 6 of these – trust us!

If you know one name in the Southern Italy winery game – D’Angelo is the one! For nearly a century, D’Angelo has been making wines in the Basilicata region, and mostly based on the favorite son of Southern Italy – aglianico. While the grape itself is scarcely planted anywhere in the world – here, there is no question which grape is king. The grape is a workhorse, too, thriving on various soils, and in various micro-climates throughout the region. On the volcanic slopes and foothills of Mount Vulture – it can express itself in any number of ways...from a compact, dangerously powerful, and exceptionally long-lived beast of a wine, to this – fruity, rich, bright, and endlessly delectable. The difference between this soft, friendly, and eminently drinkable Sacravite red and the brooding, tannic Aglianico del Vulture is time. Time left on the skins during maceration, and time in barrel for aging. This is quickly macerated (around 8 days) and only briefly aged in neutral barrels – all to create something lighter (but not light) and more fruit-driven, with a lip-smacking savoriness that is ready to make any dish shine… tonight!

Utterly delicious, aromas of cherry blossoms and hibiscus, then with a wave of plum conserves, spicy cranberry, some cool blue berries, followed by a deep savory feeling of roasting coffee beans, sandalwood, cigar box, and woodsmoke, all harmonious and integrated with impeccable balance and metric tons of flavor and length. Just fantastic stuff! Under $12, people! Get it while it’s here!