Aglianico

I am not particularly familiar with Aglianico. That's partly what this 52:52 thing is all about (see above). We can discover together.

I couldn't decide where to start my vinous stroll through the alphabet and I was running out of time, so I bought the first bottle I could find made from a grape beginning with A.

This happened to be during a shopping trip to replenish my mother's wardrobe in a delicate area. Not geographically delicate, as Royal Tunbridge Wells is a much more robust place than many people mistakenly believe, but in the sense that lead to wine A (2013) coming from Marks & Spencer.

It is simply labelled, 2011 Aglianico, and modestly claims to be expertly blended by Marks & Spencer. That, and the £6.49 price tag,  probably explains why this is not the dark, tannic and full bodied version of the wine that typically gets the Taurasi or del Vulture labels. Closer inspection reveals it is from Benevento, in Campania.

It's light,  refreshing and drinkable. Unspectactular but far from unpleasant. Red fruits, light tannins and not likely to cause an uncomfortable morning. If asked to guess you would most likely say cheap Italian.

Buy again?  No, but if you bring it round to a party I will happily share it with you.