Wine Comparison: Ghemme DOCG vs Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG: Scores, Key Differences, Food Pairings and Which Italian Red Wine to Buy
Updated: Aug 25
Piedmont vs Basilicata. Northern Nebbiolo precision against Southern volcanic Aglianico power.
Ghemme DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG are serious, age worthy Italian reds that deserve more international attention. Ghemme comes from northern Piedmont and is based on Nebbiolo, traditionally called Spanna. Aglianico del Vulture Superiore comes from Basilicata and the volcanic territory surrounding Monte Vulture.
Quick Answer
Choose Ghemme when you want red cherry, rose, violet, high acidity, iron like minerality and elegant Nebbiolo structure. Choose Aglianico del Vulture Superiore when you want black cherry, blackberry, smoke, graphite, powerful tannins and exceptional aging potential.
Ghemme DOCG
Ghemme’s vineyards sit considerably farther north than Barolo and Barbaresco. The wines are often leaner and more mineral, with pronounced acidity and an earthy, iron like character. Red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, rose, violet, licorice, dried herbs, iron, leather, tobacco and forest floor can all emerge as the wine develops.
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG
The vineyards around Monte Vulture benefit from altitude, significant temperature variation and volcanic soils. These conditions allow Aglianico to maintain acidity while developing ripe black fruit and formidable tannins. Black cherry, blackberry, dark plum, violet, licorice, black pepper, smoke, graphite, tobacco, leather and balsamic herbs are typical reference points.
Key Differences
Ghemme is red fruited, floral and linear; Aglianico del Vulture is darker and more muscular.
Both retain high acidity and are built for aging.
Aglianico generally has stronger tannin and greater body.
Ghemme emphasizes rose, iron and earthy finesse.
Aglianico emphasizes black fruit, smoke, graphite and volcanic depth.
Both reward patience, but Aglianico can be especially severe in youth.
Most Famous Ghemme Producers
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo, Ioppa, Rovellotti, Torraccia del Piantavigna, Mirù, Il Chiosso, Francesco Brigatti, Platinetti Guido, Tiziano Mazzoni and Vigneti Valle Roncati are important names for exploring serious Ghemme.
Most Famous Aglianico del Vulture Producers
Elena Fucci, Paternoster, Grifalco, Basilisco, Cantine del Notaio, D’Angelo, Carbone, Musto Carmelitano, Re Manfredi and Terra dei Re are among the most recognized producers. Elena Fucci has become an important international reference for modern high quality Aglianico del Vulture.
Food Pairing
Best Foods with Ghemme
Anatra Arrosto alle Erbe — Nebbiolo’s acidity balances duck fat while preserving delicacy.
Brasato di Cervo al Nebbiolo — Venison, juniper and berries connect naturally with Ghemme.
Polpette ai Funghi Porcini con Fonduta di Taleggio — Porcini mirror the wine’s earthy forest floor character.
Brasato di Manzo al Barolo con Funghi Porcini e Ginepro — Ghemme has enough tannin and acidity for rich braised beef.
Best Foods with Aglianico del Vulture Superiore
Agnello alla Lucana con Patate — A classic regional combination.
Agnello alla Lucana con Peperoni Cruschi — Lamb and peperoni cruschi stand up to Aglianico’s intensity.
Cinghiale Brasato al Vino Rosso — Wild boar has enough intensity for a powerful Aglianico.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina — Protein and fat soften the wine’s formidable tannins.
Serving, Decanting and Aging
Serve Ghemme around 58 to 63°F (14 to 17°C) and give a young structured bottle 1 to 2 hours of air. Serve Aglianico del Vulture Superiore around 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C); powerful young bottles can benefit from 2 to 3 hours. Serious Ghemme can develop for 15 to 30 years, while top Aglianico del Vulture Superiore can evolve for 20 to 30 years or more.
Zafferano & Co. Comparison Score
Ghemme DOCG: 9.6/10 ★★★★★
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG: 9.7/10 ★★★★★
Final Verdict
Choose Ghemme for perfume, red fruit, acidity, minerality and Nebbiolo elegance. Choose Aglianico del Vulture Superiore for power, black fruit, volcanic depth, formidable tannins and exceptional aging potential. Ghemme is more refined; Aglianico is more muscular.
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