Aglianico is a red-grape variety that is widely diffused in Basilicata and in Campania in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento, where it is known by the names of Gnanico, Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanica and Uva Nera. It is of extremely ancient origin and some experts argue that it was cultivated in the early period of Roman history and constituted the principal grape in the production of Falernum, a wine that was celebrated by the ancient poets. The variety was introduced to Italy by the Greeks at the time of the foundation of Cumae (the modern Cuma) or soon afterward, while the transformation of the name from Hellenica into Hellanica and then into Aglianico occurred at the end of the 15th century, the period of Aragonese domination over the Kingdom of Naples. The production zone of the Aglianico del Taburno in the province of Benevento is a district of high hills that is subject to particularly severe winters. However, the Aglianico variety has successfully adapted to such conditions, even at altitudes of 500-600 meters above sea level. The fine and consistent quality of the wine produced in the area enabled local producers to obtain DOC recognition in 1987.