Provinces: Matera, Potenza
Basilicata, whose alternate name is Lucania, has only
one D.O.C. wine in an era when new denominations proliferate
in neighbouring regions. But Aglianico del Vulture has
given the winemakers of this historically desolate region
at the heart of the southern peninsula something to be
proud of.
The Aglianico variety was brought to Basilicata
in the 6th or 7th century BC by the Greeks, who account
for its name, a corruption of Hellenico. It found an
ideal habitat in the volcanic soils around Monte Vulture,
whose high vineyards provide climatic conditions similar
to those of alpine Italy.
A growing number of admirers
consider Aglianico del Vulture one of southern Italy’s
finest red wines. Basilicata’s few other wines
of note include some sweet Malvasia and Moscato made
around Monte Vulture. These fit into the region’s
IGT of Basilicata, which also applies to some recently
conceived wines from Merlot, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay
and Sauvignon.
Useful contacts:
Movimento del Turismo del Vino - C/o Azienda Sperimentale
Chiancalata - Contrada Rondinelle - Matera - Tel.: 0039
0835 382 981 - http://www.wineday.org |
