Donnachiara, Aglianico, Irpinia

December 24 & 28, 2024 I would have sworn I had had aglianico before, but searching through my notes, I never wrote any tasting notes for one, so this might be a first! The nose was somewhat shy, the palate much more giving. Red cherry, coffee, permanent marker and a Jolly Rancher finish. The wine was fresh with mouthwatering acidity. The tannins built up slowly, quite prickly along the gums, somewhat rustic. Good stuff with pizza and pasta!

Rather murky in color and pleasant but not very alluring dark fruit nose. The palate has hints of typical aglianico flavor notes and a good acid/tannin balance, but is overall rather flat. Drinkable enough but not that tasty.

Deep purple with a strong bouquet of fruit, primarily strawberries, and some element of spice. High acidity with medium body with a lot of fruit mixed with a stronger spice element including cinnamon and smooth medium tannins. It had a medium finish.

This bottle was more integrated, structured and dry....slightly better than the previous bottle.

Dark red with aromas of black fruit and plums. It was balanced but on the thin side. It was smooth and had flavors of black fruit and mild tannins. The finish was medium and uneventful.

Black with deep ruby rim. Nose of sweet black fruit, slightly on the candied side. With time there were some additional, earthier nuances. Medium bodied on the palate, friendly with some fine tannins on the back end. Comes across as youthful and somewhat anodyne, a good mid-week wine.