October Wine of the Month: Aglianico del Vulture, Macarico 2006

Just south of Campania, Italy, in Basilicata, Rino Botte tends to his vines at his vineyard. Thanks to its coastline location, lava slopes, extreme temperatures, and extensive love for what he does, Rino bottles some of the best, most robust red wines from this village in Southern Italy. The spicy, but subtle nature of the diverse grape is why sommelier Sean Meyer choose this wine for Destination Cellars October wine of the month.

"In the fall I always start to think of game on menus, from venison to wild fowl like wood pigeon," said Meyer. "The spicy fruit and solid structure of this wine makes it an excellent companion to an outdoor meal near the fire pit."

Bottled Name: Aglianico del Vulture, Macarico 2006

Price: $42 (purchase this wine)

Region: Aglianico del Vulture is in Basilicata, Italy

Pairs well with: Roast and grilled meats, particularly game

If you like this wine, you'll also like: Châteauneuf du Pape, Priorat.

Wine notes from our sommelier, Sean Meyer: "I love these wines. There is a balance of polish and rusticity, both the gentleman and the rogue, about these wines. I find that balance intriguing both in wines and people. Also, the wines structure makes it quite versatile when pairing with fall menus. Also, the region is not overly well known at this point and the wines still represent an incredible value."

Photo: Here is a shot of Rino Botte in his cellar, which is cut into the side of the hillside in the village. If you look behind him, you can actually see the various deposits and layers from lava flows over millennia.