Date Tasted: 7/2021

Someone easily could connect the Aglianico grape with Greece as most recently happening. Still, the DNA analysis showed that Aglianico is a native Italian variety, one of the oldest ones. But tasting outstanding examples like this one from Domaine Hatzimichalis is a good reason to let the myth continue.

Appearance: The colour is medium shiny ruby.

Nose: It was a little bit close initially, but the second day had developed a fantastic complexity full of primarily black fruits, many spices, oak notes, even minerality and earthiness. 

Palate: It is dry with medium to high acidity. The tannins are polished. The body is medium with invisible alcohol despite the high level. Intense fruit flavours focused on blackcurrant, plum, black cherry, coffee and minerality with an almost long aftertaste. 

Drink or Hold: It is perfect now and in the next seven years. 

Food Pairing: Plenty of dishes could match well, like braise meat versions or bbq, for instance. 

Points: 92

Name: Aglianico

Producer: Domaine Hatzimichalis

Variety: Aglianico

Vintage: 2016

Region: PGI Atalanti, Greece

Alcohol: 14.5%

Retail Price: 14€

Serving temperature: 16-18 C°

Drink it until 2029