Channels
Bullz-Eye Home
The Opposite Sex
Sports
Entertainment
Fitness
Gadgets
Vices
Wagering
Humor
Recreation
Travel
Stuff to Buy
News
Guides & Reviews
Music
Movies
Television
Movie DVDs
Games
Cars
City Guide
Web Guide
Premium Members

Join  Enter



Cool Links

All Pro Models
Premium Hollywood
EatSleepDrink Music
Sports Blog
Cleveland Sports
Political Humor
Toksick

Wine Reviews: Review of Ars Poetica "Vulcano"
 
The Volcano Wine
by: Vino Joe
06/02/05

Wine Reviews Home / Vices Channel / Bullz-Eye Home


Italy may be best known for Sangiovese, the base grape of some of the country’s greatest wines, such as Chianti and Brunello. Rivaling Sangiovese is Nebbiolo, the fruit producing Barolo and Barbaresco. A third, lesser-known (at least, outside of Italy) yet just as supreme grape is Aglianico (ah-lee-AHN-eh-koe).

Grown primarily in the southern part of Italy, Aglianico is an important grape in the Campania region, where it is the main ingredient in Taurasi. You may have never heard of Taurasi, but it is well worth picking up if you come across it. Aglianico also grows in the south-adjoining region of Basilicata, producing world-class wines called Aglianico del Vulture (don’t say it like the bird; it’s properly pronounced as vull-TORE-ay).

Why go through all the bother of hunting down these hard-to-find, impossible-to-say, unusual wines? Three reasons: first, the quality is just as good (maybe better than) as Italy’s best wines; second, many examples are enjoyable to drink right now (as opposed to sticking the wine in a cellar for 10 years); and third, you can find affordable bottles. Personally, I like the affordable part, especially when I’m staring at a shelf full of Barolos and Barbarescos that START at 80 bucks or more.

In fact, some outstanding Aglianicos can be had for about half that price. But before you plunk down a pair of twenties, you can taste an introductory example for less than 10 bucks: Ars Poetica “Vulcano.”

Named for the extinct volcano (Mt. Vulture) that overlooks the vineyards, Vulcano is a medium-bodied red wine displaying ripe fruit and surprising complexity. Deep, full aromas erupt (pun intended) from the glass at first sniff: black fruits, licorice, tobacco, tar and earth. You’ll taste similar flavors along with juicy black raspberry and black cherry. A rush of ripe fruit tannins and medium acidity balance out the fruit before the wine finishes. Though only about eight dollars, I’ll take this over a 50-dollar Super Tuscan any day, and spend the savings on two big T-bones to go with it. Match it with steak, blackened dishes, ripe cheeses and grilled meats.


Send any questions, comments or wine stories to vinojoe@bullz-eye.com

 

 


 

Sponsor Links

Poker
Cigars
Wine
Bachelor Party
Spring Break

Bullz-Eye.com : Feedback - Link to Us  - About B-E - FAQ - Advertise with Us


© 2000-2005 Bullz-Eye.com®, All Rights Reserved. Contact the webmaster with questions or comments. Privacy Policy and Site Map