Aia dei Colombi

In the hills of Campania’s Sannio, Aia dei Colombi was started in 2002 by Marcellino Pascale who had been tending the vineyards daily since age 14. The focus is terroir driven, structured and expressive Falanghina del Sannio, the birthplace of this grape, plus a touch of Fiano and the purest expression of Aglianico we’ve ever had. They farm using organic practices and traditional methods passed down through generations—harvesting and handling the grapes gently so the land’s voice shines through, just as his parents and grandparents did.

This Agliancio is in a style referred to as “vino sfuso,” meaning it’s normally just taken straight from a tank and sold only to villagers who bring their own containers to fill with wine to have at home. This grape has become known as being much more intensely bold and tannic but this is a stripped down, pure, and traditional expression of the grape. It's dry and approaches as lean, but then explodes on the palate with big and ripe blackberry fruits and black pepper spice. It's bold yet retains freshness and energy.

This was featured in a recent wine club where we explored the underrepresented Southern Italy. Members get first dibs but there's some left to share! Perfect for the upcoming cool evenings here in LA.