Blog: Basilicata | Wine Region

Basilicata is located at the 'sole' of the Italian boot between Campania, Calabria and Puglia and has only a narrow access to the Tyrrhenian and Jonian Seas. The name dates back to Byzantine times and replaced the ancient name Lucania, derived from the ancient people of the Lucanians who were the first inhabitants. Basilicata is a predominantly mountainous and hilly region, formed by the foothills of the southern Apennines. North of Potenza rises in the mountains the cone of Vulture, which is of volcanic origin. Seismic activity is not uncommon and sometimes has catastrophic effects. In the agriculture of the region, herding and typical Mediterranean crops play the main role. The main wine-growing center is located around the volcanic massif of Vulture. The Aglianico grape is the king of Lucanian viticulture. It was introduced to Vulture by the Greeks around the 7th and 6th centuries BC and owes its name to the vulgarization of the name 'Hellenico'. The Aglianco del Vulture, one of the few DOC wines of the region, is a full-bodied, strong and long-lasting red wine.

Basilicata has only a narrow coastal strip, and that is probably why the Lucanian cuisine is more inclined towards the pleasures that the mainland is able to offer us. In any case, pasta from this area - like the 'orrechiette" - finds its way to the whole of Italy and also far beyond abroad. We should also remember the popular 'ricotta', a kind of curd cheese preserved in small woven baskets, smoked hams, sausages and cheeses preserved in oil - or, as a famous specialty, the 'pollo ripieno alla lucana'. What is hidden behind this name is a chicken that has been artfully stuffed with eggs, feta cheese and chopped liver. Not only with such hearty food - the wines of Vulture are the very best companions. - Gerardo

The grape variety underlying Taurasi Aglianico is considered the most famous red wine grape variety of the Basilicata region and produces high quality as well as storable wines.

"Basilicata, the green lung of the Italian south, is becoming more and more Aglianico country, and this despite the three new DOCs Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri, Matera and - finally in 2011 - Grottino di Roccanova. The latest success story from this region is the upgrade of Aglianico del Vulture to DOCG wine." - Slow Wine

"The change in Luciana viticulture is here. Beyond all the rankings and scores, you can finally feel an atmosphere of awakening that has seized not only the oenological middle class, but especially the crème della crème, pioneering in expressiveness and style. Admittedly, this is still a disorganized movement, diverse and heterogeneous in a not necessarily positive sense. Nevertheless, the impetus is enough to give momentum to a growing zone that has so far rested self-righteously on a few positive reviews from critics and markets. As a fermentation kitchen of innovation, the denomination Aglianico del Vulture undoubtedly distinguished itself, which has acquired a solid, high recognition value thanks to the ideal combination of grape variety and terroir, which is also underlined by the award of the DOCG dignity." - Gambero Rosso