Aglianicone is a red Italian wine grape variety grown in the regions of Campania and Basilicata in southern Italy. Despite the similarity in name, Aglianicone is not a clonal mutation of Aglianico, though DNA analysis suggests a close genetic relationship between the two varieties.J. Robinson, J. Harding, and J. Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes: A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours, p. 13, Allen Lane, 2012.
The variety has a reputation for being a high-yielding vine that produces wines of generally low quality. As of 2000, there were about of Aglianicone planted in Italy.
History
At one point, Aglianicone was mistakenly identified as the Tuscan wine grape Ciliegiolo due to a false positive result from DNA testing on mislabeled vines. After the error was corrected, further DNA analysis confirmed that although Aglianicone is not a clonal mutation of Aglianico (as once speculated because of the similarity in their names), the two varieties are closely related, possibly as parent and offspring.
Viticulture Aglianicone is a high-yielding grapevine that produces fruit of generally low quality. It is not officially authorized as a primary variety in any Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wine, although limited amounts may be permitted as a minor blending component.P. Saunders, Wine Label Language, pp. 121–205, Firefly Books, 2004.
Wine regions
As of 2000, there were about of Aglianicone planted, mostly in Campania and in the provinces of Matera and Potenza. Because of its reputation for poor quality, the grape is not permitted to make up a significant proportion of any Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wines.
Synonyms Over the years, Aglianicone has been known by a variety of synonyms, including Aglianico Bastardo, Aglianicone Nero, Glianicone, and Ruopolo.Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), Aglianicone. Accessed February 15, 2014.
References