Region: Taurasi

Taurasi DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is a region in Southern Italy located in the inland area of Irpinia, in the province of Avellino — only a scant 40 miles from the center of the Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata, from where the grape, Aglianico’s, other famous expression hails. Wines from Taurasi must be aged for three years before release with a minimum of one year in barrel (expect mostly neutral Slovenian Oak) while riservas require one further year with at least 18 months in oak. Along with Aglianico del Vulture, Taurasi wines are considered the southern Italian equivalents of Barolo and Barbaresco and are full-bodied with flavors of raspberries, plums and black cherry, but can also feature smoky notes, reminiscent of a lit cigar, freshly-ground coffee and new leather.