Story: Paternoster | Basilicata
Page: 1/1

The Paternoster family: a century of Aglianico del Vulture
The history of the Paternoster winery is inextricably linked to the development of Aglianico del Vulture and the winemaking tradition of Basilicata. For almost a century, the family has devoted itself with passion and dedication to the cultivation of this noble grape variety, which develops a unique expressiveness on the volcanic soils of Monte Vulture. The family has managed to preserve the original character of Aglianico, while at the same time refining it with a modern signature.

---

The beginnings: from home use to wine icon
The roots of the winery go back to 1925, when Anselmo Paternoster, inspired by his father's winemaking tradition, decided to vinify Aglianico not just for his own use, but to bottle and market it for the first time. This year marks the beginning of a family business that has developed over three generations into one of the most respected wineries in southern Italy. The historic date can still be seen today on the family's cellar door - a symbol of the long tradition that still characterizes the winery today.

From the very beginning, the Paternoster family preserved not only their knowledge of the craft, but also old labels, photographs and traditional winemaking tools. This unknowingly laid the foundation for a company that is still run with great care and dedication today.

---

A winery that combines tradition and modernity
Today, Paternoster is run by the third generation, led by Fabio Mecca, a talented oenologist who carries on his grandfather's philosophy. The winery continues to rely on artisanal methods, but combines these with modern oenological techniques to produce wines of the highest quality. Aglianico del Vulture in particular benefits from the unique soil conditions and climate of the region. The volcanic soils of Monte Vulture, which consist of tuff, sand and mineral-rich marl, give the wines an impressive structure, elegance and longevity.

---

A wine-growing region with exceptional potential
Aglianico del Vulture is considered one of the finest grape varieties in southern Italy and is often compared to the great wines of Piedmont. The poor soils and the distinctive microclimate ensure that the grapes ripen slowly, giving the wines exceptional depth and complexity. Barile, one of Basilicata's most traditional wine-growing centers, is home to the Paternoster family's historic tufa cellars - an impressive ensemble of more than 100 centuries-old caves dug into the volcanic rock.

Despite its commercial success, the winery remains true to its roots. Annual production is deliberately limited to 150,000 bottles in order to guarantee consistently high quality. This philosophy has not only earned Paternoster numerous awards, but has also made the winery an ambassador for Aglianico del Vulture.

---

A look into the future
With Fabio Mecca at the helm, the history of Paternoster continues to be written. The family focuses on sustainability, terroir authenticity and the further development of the Aglianico grape variety, without forgetting its roots. The winery remains synonymous with excellent Aglianico del Vulture, which reflects the unique terroir of Basilicata in an unmistakable way in every bottle.

Paternoster is more than a winery - it is a living heritage that combines the tradition and future of Aglianico del Vulture in perfect harmony. - Gerardo [TS05/25]

"The historic Barile winery has changed hands and now belongs to Tommasi, a famous Veronese winery that has bought many hectares scattered throughout Italy, an excellent purchase in the heart of the Vulture after Casisano Colombaio in Montalcino. Tommasi's foresight in leaving the technical management in the hands of Vito Paternoster gives us hope. A sigh of relief for us nostalgic lovers in love with this winery." - Daniele Cernilli (Doctor Wine)