Before Sicily’s Mount Etna and its Nerello Mascalese grape became the flavor of the month, a different volcanic red was Southern Italy’s darling: Aglianico del Vulture. Unlike lava-spewing Etna, Basilicata’s Monte Vulture is long dormant, but its geologic footprint remains - as do those of other ancient volcanoes in neighboring Campania, where the Aglianico grape thrives. Campania’s Taurasi appellation, about an hour’s drive from the Monte Vulture area, is the most famous Aglianico-based red, but the Aglianico del Vulture appellation is every bit as important as Taurasi. This wine from Musto Carmelitano is a new-generation take on Aglianico that emphasizes balance over force—no small feat given the grape’s reputation for tannic, inky-black reds. If you enjoy dark-fruited, mineral reds from Malbec, Syrah, and/or Cabernet Franc, Aglianico del Vulture belongs in your regular rotation.