Taurasi DOCG

Overview

Taurasi produces southern Italy’s greatest age-worthy red wine, often called “the Barolo of the South” for its combination of power, complexity, and extraordinary longevity. Made from Aglianico—one of Italy’s noblest but most challenging grapes—grown on volcanic soils in Campania’s Irpinia hills, Taurasi rewards patience with wines of profound depth and complexity. The appellation’s high altitude, volcanic terroir, and late-ripening grape create wines that can age for decades. For enologists, Taurasi offers essential study in Aglianico cultivation, volcanic soil expression, and the crafting of southern Italian wines built for extended aging.

Geographical Context

Location and Topography

Position: Irpinia hills, inland Campania; Avellino province

Distance to Naples: 80 km east

Elevation: 400-700 meters (high for southern Italy)

Terrain: Rolling volcanic hills; varied exposures

Vineyard Area: ~450 hectares (DOCG zone)

Climate

Classification: Continental-Mediterranean hybrid

Altitude Effect: Significantly cooler than coastal Campania

Growing Season: Extended; late harvest (November)

Diurnal Range: Large; preserves acidity

Rainfall: 1,000+ mm annually

Frost Risk: Winter cold; spring frost possible

Harvest: October-November (among Italy’s latest)

Soils

Volcanic Origin: Mount Vesuvius-related deposits

Composition:

• Volcanic ash and tuff
• Clay components
• Excellent drainage
• Mineral-rich

Terroir Impact: Volcanic = mineral intensity; structure

Historical Context

Ancient Origins

Name: From ancient Taurasia (Samnite capital)

Roman Era: Wine already prized

Aglianico Etymology: Possibly from “Hellenicum” (Greek)

Modern Development

• 1970: DOC established
• 1993: Elevated to DOCG
• 2000s: International recognition
• Present: Southern Italy’s premier red

Grape Variety

Aglianico

Character:

• Thick skin; high tannin
• Late ripening (October-November)
• High acidity (unusual for south)
• Deep color
• Complex aromatics

Challenge: Requires full ripeness for quality

Comparison: Nebbiolo-like structure; Sangiovese-like acidity

Aglianico in Taurasi

Expression:

• More structured than coastal versions
• Higher acidity (altitude)
• Greater age-worthiness
• More elegant than powerful

Wine Regulations

Aging Requirements

Classification	Total Aging	Oak Minimum
Taurasi	3 years	1 year
Taurasi Riserva	4 years	18 months

Other Requirements

Grape: Minimum 85% Aglianico

Alcohol: Minimum 12%

Other Varieties: Up to 15% other authorized reds

Wine Character

Classic Taurasi Profile

Aromatics:

• Dark cherry, plum
• Tar, smoke
• Dried herbs (Mediterranean scrub)
• Leather, tobacco (with age)
• Mineral, volcanic notes
• Earthy complexity

Palate:

• Full-bodied
• Powerful tannins (soften with age)
• High acidity
• Long, complex finish
• Age-worthy (20-40+ years)

Evolution with Age

Young (3-8 years): Tight, tannic, primary fruit

Developing (8-15 years): Opening; complexity emerging

Mature (15-30 years): Peak; tar, leather, earth

Old (30+ years): Ethereal; remarkable longevity

Style Variations

Traditional: Extended aging; large oak; austere

Modern: More approachable; smaller oak; fruit-forward

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Mastroberardino: Historic benchmark; family since 1878

Feudi di San Gregorio: Modern excellence; investment

Terredora di Paolo: Consistent quality

Antonio Caggiano: Boutique excellence

I Favati: Small; quality-focused

Traditional Excellence

Mastroberardino Radici: Icon cuvée; long aging

Luigi Tecce: Cult natural producer

Rising Stars

Cantine dell’Angelo: Small production; terroir focus

Fonzone: Quality-focused estate

Technical Considerations

Viticultural Challenges

Late Ripening: Aglianico among Italy’s latest

Disease Pressure: Humidity; careful management

Yield Control: Essential for quality

Vine Training: Espalier and traditional

Winemaking

Traditional Approach:

• Extended maceration (4-6 weeks)
• Large Slavonian oak (botti)
• Long aging
• Austere style

Modern Approach:

• Shorter maceration
• French barrique
• Earlier accessibility
• Rounder tannins

Critical Decision: Tannin management essential

Quality Factors

Full Ripeness: Essential for tannin management

Extraction: Careful; avoid over-extraction

Oak Program: Balance with fruit

Patience: Wines need time

Comparison: Taurasi vs. Barolo

Aspect	Taurasi	Barolo
Grape	Aglianico	Nebbiolo
Terroir	Volcanic	Calcareous
Climate	Mediterranean-continental	Continental
Tannin	Powerful; softens with age	Fine; grippy
Acidity	High	High
Aging	20-40+ years	20-50+ years
Style	Dark, smoky, mineral	Perfumed, elegant

Market Position

Production Statistics

DOCG Area: ~450 hectares

Annual Production: ~2-3 million bottles

Producers: ~50 bottling estates

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry DOCG	€15-25
Quality Estate	€25-45
Riserva/Premium	€40-80
Icon	€80-200+

Market Challenges

Recognition: Less known than northern Italian greats

Patience Required: Not immediately accessible

Value: Excellent quality/price vs. Barolo

Food Pairing

Classic Matches

Campanian Cuisine: Ragù, braised meats, aged cheeses

Game: Wild boar, lamb, venison

Grilled Meats: Ideal partner

Service

Temperature: 18-20°C

Decanting: Essential (3-4 hours for young wines)

Aging: Best after 10+ years

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

Accessibility: Tannins intimidate

Age Requirement: Needs patience

Recognition: Less famous than northern regions

Opportunities

Value: Outstanding quality/price ratio

Climate Change: Earlier ripening potentially beneficial

Premium Potential: Increasing recognition

Conclusion

Taurasi represents Aglianico at its finest, producing wines of extraordinary power, complexity, and longevity from volcanic hillsides in Campania. For enologists, the appellation offers essential study in southern Italian terroir-driven winemaking, the management of Aglianico’s formidable tannins, and the crafting of wines built for decades of aging. While requiring patience—young Taurasi can be forbiddingly tannic—the rewards are wines of profound depth that deserve recognition alongside Italy’s greatest. As the “Barolo of the South,” Taurasi demonstrates that southern Italy can produce world-class, age-worthy wines.

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Last updated: January 2026