The Avellino area, which is extensively planted in vines, produces excellent wines and its makers have effectively promoted them, including Taurasi, which has acquired an international reputation. Dominated by an ancient Longobard castle that was enlarged by the Normans, the community of Taurasi is the centre of the production of the red wine of the same name. Taurasi is of extremely ancient origin. It is a wine of great body and structure, dry and austere, with an aromatic vein. The wine must be aged for three years, of which one in chestnut or oak casks. In the three succeeding years, the wine can be tasted in the fullness of its quality and is particularly good as an accompaniment to roasted red meats. The variety from which it is made, Aglianico, was introduced by Hellenic peoples around the time of the foundation of Cumae (Cuma). The variety is found in virtually the whole of southern Italy but the wines produced from it are considerably different, depending upon the places where the vines grow. However, Campania is clearly one of its best habitats. Aglianico has a cluster of medium size that is cylindrical-conical in shape. The grapes are round and blue in color.