Smoke and tobacco notes lead the way in this fresh, savory red, offering subtle notes of dried black cherry and olive tapanade on the palate. Firm and chewy finish. Best from 2023 through 2026. 3,333 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Basilicata / Aglianico del Vulture Select to Add

Basilisco is a dynamic estate owned by Campania's Feudi di San Gregorio. Compared to the 2016 vintage that appeared jammier in taste (this is counterintuitive because 2017 is the hotter vintage), this wine is more focused and grounded. The 2017 Aglianico del Vulture Teodosio reveals inky dark intensity with thick hues of garnet and velvety crimson. The wine has a distinct texture that is based on the richness and extract you feel here, yet it also moves along the palate without too much trouble. Pair this hearty southern Italian red with involtini di carne.

The Basilisco 2016 Aglianico del Vulture Teodosio is a dark, inky, powerful and ripe wine. Indeed, that thick level of ripeness comes as a bit of a surprise. There are points of jamminess too, with blackberry marmalade and cherry confit. Once those heavier aromas lift, the wine comes back to center with exotic spice, toasted cardamom seed and campfire ash. It finishes with dried raisins and prunes, and all together, I am less a fan of that evident ripeness.

This is a near-term Aglianico offered at a terrific value price. The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Teodosio opens to an ample and broad bouquet that is infused with dark spice, dried blackberry and a slightly malolactic hint of milk chocolate. But you also get pure aromas of volcanic earth, almost as if you were cusping that soil with your hands. The finish is long and dusty, but there there is enough primary fruit to make this a very presentable red to drink within the next 5 years. Some 30,000 bottles were made.

This is a weaker and lighter vintage from the Vulture volcano in the deep south of Italy. The 2014 Aglianico del Vulture Teodosio offers dried fruit aromas with blackberry preserves, spice, crushed mineral and smoke. The mouthfeel is streamlined and tight with ash-like impressions on the mid-weight finish.