Italian varietals are plentiful in Temecula wine country-part I

Aglianico grape

When you think of Italian wine varietals that are most likely come to mind first perhaps Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Super Tuscan Sangiovese and basket wine (Chianti). With over 2,000 Italian grape varieties are identified, there are so many other Italian varietals that become available in the United States and Temecula wine country begins, observant and planting them.

Ever heard of grape varieties like Aglianico, Montepulciano, Vermentino, Malvasia Bianca, Arneis or Primitivo? Well, they are all now planted in established producing vineyards in the Temecula Valley AVA.

The new found interest in these variants is partly due to the similar terrior in Temecula Valley on the regions these vines flourish in Italy. Another reason for interest in planting of these variants is that they previously were not available in the United States.

In this article we will discuss one of these newly emerging Italian varietals in the Temecula Valley Wine country. Aglianico (pronounced "ah-LY-AH-nee-a distant star") is a black grape grown in Campania and Basilicata in Italy. The vine originated in Greece and was taken to the Compania by Greek settlers. The name may be a corruption of Vitis hellenberg ica, Latin for "Greek vine." Another Etymology derives the name Aglianico from a corruption of Apulianicum, the Latin adjective which indicates the whole of southern Italy in the Roman era. In early Roman times was the main grape must of the famous Falernian wine which was the Roman equivalent of a first growth. Later research has suggested that Aglianico can be related to Syrah grape.

Aglianico has recently been planted in Australia and the United States, particularly in Southern California. Aglianico thrives in dry and sunny climate that was found in the Temecula Valley AVA.

1988 Established Caparone Winery in Paso Robles, the first American Aglianico planting in their San Marcos Road vineyard. They produced the first American Aglianico wine in 1992 and continues to produce Aglianico today.

Wines produced from Aglianico tend to be full wheel with solid tannins and high acidity, making this a wine ageing potential. The rich flavors of the wine makes it convenient for matching with rich meats such as lamb and wonderful red-sauced pasta.

In the Temecula Valley is Aglianico for wine tasting blended as a percentage of the port-style wine dessert at Masia de Yabar Winery visit 39788 Camino Arroyo Seco and composite Estate wine at Cougar Vineyard & Winery is located on The Portola Road 39870. Both of these vineyards lie on The Portola Wine Trail in Temecula wine country. There is a well-established vineyard planted on the property owned by the Temecula olive oil company and also planted in 2006 at the winery in Cougar Vineyard & Winery.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery, planted in the whole Italian varietals with 2,000 of 8,500 vine Aglianico. We will discuss some of these other varieties grown by Cougar in upcoming articles on the Italian grape varieties planted in Temecula wine country in Southern California.

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