2015 Elena Fucci Titolo Aglianico del Vulture Basilicata 750 ml

Today, we'd like to present to you the finest expression of Aglianico in the world: Elena Fucci’s Titolo Aglianico del Vulture. No wine in Southern Italy possesses the power, beauty, and detail of the ancient grape Aglianico better than Titolo. Within its powerful profile this vintage displays dark plum, black licorice, cracked pepper, black cherry, and wild game. Its volcanic origins always seem to shine amongst its Nebbiolo-like tannic profile.

This 2015 Elena Fucci Titolo stands among the best of Italy, having earned Gambero Rosso’s coveted Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award every year since 2005—an astounding 13 times in total! In each vintage, a Tre Bicchieri distinction sends a sign to the world that this wine is the “best” from the region that year. When I think of the truly great, yet affordable wines of the world, Elena Fucci’s Titolo tops our list for Southern Italy. 

The name Titolo refers to the lava channel that ran down Mount Vulture, where Elena’s vineyard is situated above 2,100 feet in elevation. The cooling breezes at this altitude slow ripening, and Aglianico, which is a late-ripening grape, is often hand-harvested as late as the last week in October.

On this very special site, which has seen vine cultivation for at least 2,100 years, vines older than 70 drive deep into the volcanic ash and rock. It is believed that the Aglianico grape was brought to Italy by the Greeks, and is possibly the main grape that the Romans used for production of their legendary Falernian—arguably the original “First Growth.” Ruins in a tavern in the city of Pompeii unearthed from 10 feet of volcanic ash read:  “For one coin, you can drink wine, For two, you can drink the best, For Four, you can drink Falernian”.

To be able to enjoy the highest expression of this ancient grape, grown at 2100 ft. within volcanic rock and ash, from the most decorated producer of the land, is something we hope to enjoy for decades to come, and invite you to join us.