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Basilicata is a small region in the south of Italy that is home to a real enological treasure trove. The wines of Basilicata essentially come from four areas in the region, which also represent the four areas defined by the Denominazioni d'Origine Controllata (DOC) in the territory: Roccanova, Matera, Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri and Vulture. The first three are the least known, while the Vulture area is not only the most famous and prestigious, but is also the birthplace of one of the most interesting and long-lived red wines of southern Italy: Aglianico del Vulture. Despite a good geographic base, the most important wines of the region are not many. Among the white wines, those made from the white Malvasia of Basilicata variety are particularly prominent, while among the reds, the Primitivo wine has a leading role. However, the real star of the region's wine production is Aglianico, a true excellence of the area, which rightfully belongs to the small elite group of great Italian red wines.
Basilicata is a small region in the south of Italy that is home to a real enological treasure trove. The wines of Basilicata essentially come from four areas in the region, which also represent the four areas defined by the Denominazioni d'Origine Controllata (DOC) in the territory: Roccanova, Matera, Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri and Vulture. The first three are the least known, while the Vulture area is not only the most famous and prestigious, but is also the birthplace of one of the most interesting and long-lived red wines of southern Italy: Aglianico del Vulture. Despite a good geographic base, the most important wines of the region are not many. Among the white wines, those made from the white Malvasia of Basilicata variety are particularly prominent, while among the reds, the Primitivo wine has a leading role. However, the real star of the region's wine production is Aglianico, a true excellence of the area, which rightfully belongs to the small elite group of great Italian red wines.
Wines from the Basilicata region, especially in the Lucania area, have very ancient origins. In the 11th century B.C. the region that covered the territory of today's Basilicata, part of Calabria and part of Campania was already known as Enotria. In all likelihood, it was the Enotrian inhabitants who began the long process of domesticating the vine and established the first archaic forms of viticulture. The subsequent Greek colonisation, which began around the 8th century B.C., brought the Hellenic culture of vine cultivation, pruning techniques and the most advanced winemaking practices to these lands. The wine-growing tradition continued to develop under Roman rule, where wine played an important cultural and social role. Over the following centuries, the traditions of vine cultivation have been handed down from generation to generation until the present day. Today there are about 5,000 hectares under vine in the region and they represent one of the most exceptional features of the agricultural landscape of Basilicata. From a climatic point of view, the area has unique and special characteristics for a southern region. While a typically Mediterranean climate is prevalent along the short stretch of the Ionian coast, the inland areas, where vines are grown, have a continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. These particular characteristics make it a land of choice for many varieties of grapes that prefer cool climates and wide temperature ranges between day and night.
The northern part of the region, on the border with Apulia and Campania, is dominated by the presence of the Vulture mountain, whose peak is over 1300 metres above sea level. This is an imposing mountain created by an ancient volcano, which has been inactive for thousands of years, and includes the territory of many municipalities that have always been famous for their excellent wines, including: Rionero, Barile, Rapolla, Ripacandida, Ginestra, Maschito, Forenza, Acerenza, Melfi, Atella, Venosa, Lavello, Palazzo San Gervasio, Banzi, Genzano di Lucania and Montemilone. The area occupied by the volcanic cone of the same name is intersected by deep valleys that cut its austere profile and softened by the presence of the two volcanic lakes of Monticchio. The vines are generally cultivated at an altitude of between 200 and 600 metres above sea level, but there are also vineyards that climb to 800 metres and beyond. This is true mountain viticulture, which often requires manual work that cannot be mechanised. The soils are mainly made up of the decomposition of rocks of an ancient lava matrix, which are very well-drained, stony and rich in minerals that are particularly useful for sustaining the vines. The climate, very cool and breezy, has proven to be suitable for a late variety such as Aglianico, which ripens slowly, accumulating elegant, intense and rich aromas. The origins of this ancient red grape from southern Italy continue to be shrouded in mystery. Even today it is not certain whether it is an native southern Italian variety domesticated in ancient times or whether it was brought to the lands of Magna Graecia during the Hellenic colonisation.
Today, the wines of Basilicata are finally experiencing a good reputation and are enjoying great success among wine-lovers. This is especially thanks to Aglianico, which is now considered by experts to be one of the best red varieties of the peninsula. A lover of volcanic soils and continental climates, this grape achieves the highest levels of quality in two key areas: Taurasi in Irpinia and on the slopes of the Vulture volcano. It is a vine that produces grapes of high quality, producing red wines with an elegant profile, intense aromas, a dense tannic texture and remarkable freshness. These characteristics make it a structured and powerful red wine, which requires a long period of refinement, preferably in wood, in order to reach full maturity and express its full potential. Together with Barolo, Taurasi and Brunello di Montalcino, this wine from the Lucania region is one of the Italian reds with the greatest capacity for ageing, enriching its aromatic aspect with refined tertiary notes. Some of the most famous producers of this territory are: Paternoster winery, Cantine del Notaio, Elena Fucci, Basilisco, Michele Laluce, Musto Carmelitano, Ripanero, Grifalco della Lucania, Terre degli Svevi, Camerlengo and Tenuta i Gelsi.
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