Basilicata (Basilicata) – wine region in southern Italy, whose name rarely POPs up in the wine circles. Best known red wines from Aglianico in particular, the appellation Aglianico del Vulture (Aglianico del Vulture).

Aglianico, which for centuries was the leading variety at the local vineyards, previously known in Basilicata under the name Ellenico (hellinistic, i.e. Greek). Although today it is considered that he came here in the middle ages during the Aragonese reign as vino de llanos (Spanish “wine of the plains”).

The Byzantines who ruled here at different periods in the VI and IX centuries, gave the name to the region: from the Greek word βασιλικó (Basilico), which means Royal.

Terroirs

Basilicata is not a particularly wealthy region, but natural resources are here in abundance. Located on the 10’000 sq km, it is mainly clamped by the land campaign and the Puglia to the North, Lazio to the South. Only a small piece goes to the Tyrrhenian sea in the southwest and more noticeable – to the Ionian in the South-East.

The local landscape is highlighted by breathtaking views of mountains and hills. In fact, Basilicata is one of the most mountainous regions of Italy: approximately 47% of the territory is mountains, another 45 – hills, and only 8% of the territory are considered to be flat.

Three main mountain peak is Monte Pollino (2238 m), Sirino (2005 m) and the extinct volcano of Vulture (1326 m).

Mountain conditions is a challenge for viticulture. But there is a lot of sun during the growing season and the coolness in the harvest period, and this is a significant plus.

Cool Balkan breezes passing through the Adriatic and Puglia, helping to smooth out temperature fluctuations. While the Apennine mountains create a barrier to flows from the Tyrrhenian sea . In this hilly region reigns Aglianico del Vulture – a local red variety giving high quality wine with a clean bouquet.

Grapes

Aglianico is the recognized prima ballerina of the region. Recently, however, on the stage trying to get “actor”, the benefit of the IGT regulations are relaxed enough and allow experiments.

Began to meet very nice specimens from Muscat and the excellent wines from Malvasia, the best of which come from the zone of Vulture (Vulture) and the Eastern part of the valley Bradano (Bradano).

Red also successfully perform Primitivo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and lesser known bombino Nero. And star Aglianico quietly involved in the production of table wines from the plains of the province of Matera (Matera).

The appellations and zones of production

The main winemaking area located on volcanic soils in the heart of the massif of Vulture in the Northern part of the region.

In Basilicata only four DOC zones, which accounted for no more than two out of a hundred produced in the region of the bottles. 98% of the local wines are in the IGT categorie or – more likely – as a table wine (vino da tavola). Compared to other wine regions of Italy, production volumes are very modest, less than 50 million liters.

The future of the wine of Basilicata looks rosy. Aglianico del Vulture has already earned himself an excellent reputation among the best wines of Italy. Now to reach the wine DOC Matera and Terre Dell Alta Val d Agri DOC.

Terre Dell Alta Val d’agri in the province of Potenza (Potenza) received the DOC status in 2003, and the name from the agri river, in a valley where vineyards are located.

Matera – the city famous for its limestone caves, the Sassi, and DOC of the same name appeared in 2005.

Both of the appellation is known mainly for its excellent wines from aromatic varieties Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia Nera and Moscato Bianco (white Muscat), as well as wines based on the Aglianico, Primitivo and Sangiovese. From the international varieties here noted Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Under the appellation Terre Dell’alta Val d Agri”s DOC Reds are produced, aged red (Riserva) and rosé wines.
Matera DOC is three red (Rosso, Primitivo and Moro), two white (and Greco Bianco) and sparkling (Spumante).