Jose Wine Caves 2012 Estate Aglianico wine review

Aglianico “alli-yawn-nico” is a black grape well known in the southern regions of Italy. This wine grape is considered with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo to be one of the three greatest Italian varieties. Aglianico produces a highly refined, complex wines that are among those considered famous in Italy. A full-bodied red wine young Aglianico wines are known for strikingly savory flavors of leather, white pepper, and dark fruits. If you are patient and allow the wine to age it develops soft aromas of dried figs and sun-tanned leather and a dusty or earthiness. 

Is Aglianico worthy of cellaring for a few years?
Yes, easily age worthy for 10 to 20 years.
I remember the saying that was popular years ago from Paul Mason Winery; “we serve no wine before it’s time.”  You will find that patience is a virtue when it comes to this full-bodied, high tannin and the acidity of this wine. A good Aglianico really doesn’t start to come into their best until it has aged for 10 years or so. It is then, with time, that the firm tannins and concentrated acidity begin to reveal lush layers of the fruit sweetening, dried floral bouquet with a spicy smokiness and dusty savory flavors really become apparent.

What should you look for in your glass?
When it come to the bouquet and flavors of this earthy wine you will detect cracked peppercorn, black cherry, dark plum, dried cranberry, and raspberry. Take your time with your newfound wine you will also experience leather, cocoa, tobacco, spices with a hint of coffee as well as forest floor or damp earth. The real magic of Aglianico appears to be patience. Just like Northern Italian Barolo, well-made Aglianico wines really don’t start to come into their best until 10 or so years of age. 

Italians and Italian Americans have been instrumental in the development of California’s wine industry, ever since arriving on the West Coast in the decades following the Gold Rush. These immigrants brought vinicultural knowledge from their homeland, as well as grapevines themselves, both foundational contributions to an American wine industry in its most nascent stages. Even today, several of the most recognizable names in California wine are Italian — Gallo, Mondavi, and Sebastiani to name a few.  Today, a new generation of winemakers and wineries are rediscovering the potential for Italian grapes in California, once again bringing these wines to a now more adventurous American market that’s ready to try wines they have yet to enjoy. “Cal-Ital” do not require a Grand Italian Villa. Instead many of the best new projects emerge from humble facilities with increased attention towards Italy’s lesser-known native grapes.

This brings us to our Zip Sips Wine Review for José Wine Caves 2012 Aglianico Limited Edition. This wine is produced with fruit from Eldorado County California. While spending time not far from the winery with family that live in Eldorado County, I made a trip to this hilltop winery. This winery is low key and relaxed, setting off the beaten path overlooking the valley and the river below. Alfonso Elena winemaker and owner of the winery will make you feel welcome. Friendly people, delicious wines, and an amazing view. While this Aglianico is not 10 years old I have had it laying down for some years now. I remember enjoying it at the winery and I just wanted to see how it was coming along.

Food Pairing: This 2012 Aglianico is only 8 years old. The tannins are still very gripping. That being said, what a delightful wine to pair with spaghetti, ravioli, or lasagna.

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