Epicuro Puglia Aglianico, 2022

Aglianico is sometimes called the Barolo of the South, but this bottle comes from grapes in Puglia, a less distinguished appellation than Aglianico del Vulture, located on volcanic soils in Basilica. That is one reason that Trader Joe's can sell this wine for $5.99, but I think it delivers quite well for a wine at that price point.

 Very dark and deep. Black currants and dark cherries. Aggressive on the mid-palate but fruit-oriented and very approachable even at its young age. Good acidity for a warm climate wine. Black licorice and black pepper on the medium finish. More than just a pizza wine. After tasting a bottle, I went back and took the six bottles left on the shelf. If it appears again, I will buy more.