Basilisco, Teodosio, Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy 2019

Vivid ruby in colour, this youthful Aglianico is lightly spicy in aroma with some primary cherry fruit. It’s attractively cherryish and the flavours lengthen across the tongue with an approachable juiciness of texture and a slightly rustic, drying grip on the finish.

Aglianico del Vulture is among the most prestigious of southern Italy's red appellations, and a favourite among those who love structured full-bodied reds that pack a punch. The Basilisco winery in Basilicata is owned by Campanian powerhouse Feudi di San Gregorio, and its vines grow in volcanic soils, at altitude. Aged for a year, half in stainless steel and half in French oak, this is the estate's entry-level cuvée, and offers great value for money, with ripe and fragrant red cherry and plum notes, and spice. Don't be afraid to lay this down for a few years, but it's deliciously approachable now, after a couple of years in bottle.

Planted at 500m above sea level on the area's typical volcanic soils, the Aglianico vines produce this bold, jammy black cherry red wine, offering an undertone of savoury earth and stoninness. Herbal licks and a splash of tar and chocolate on the finish make this a surprisingly complex and moreish drop given the price.