In Southern Italy, Aglianico is hailed as the noblest of red varieties. In Australia, it has proven to produce wines of finesse, structure and elegance in the most adverse of climatic conditions. At Chalmers, the Aglianico wines have always been considered top-tier reds within the range. To reflect that the latest planting has been established on the prized, top elevation, rocky site on the ridge of the Mt Camel Range at the Heathcote vineyard which is similar in characteristics to the variety’s native terroir.
This 2011 Aglianico shows earthy cherry, aromatic spice and delicate petal perfume on the nose. The balanced, savoury palate shows subtle fruitcake spices, tobacco, leather, herbal notes and candied orange rind with a pleasant mouth-watering acidity and the fine, smooth, building tannins you would expect of the variety. An elegant and structured medium weight wine which, although it has already been cellared before release, still has excellent potential for long ageing.