Basilicata is a small wine region located in southern Italy, known for its production of red wines made from the Aglianico grape. The region has a long history of wine production, dating back to ancient times when the Greeks and Romans cultivated vines in the area. Despite its small size, Basilicata has gained recognition for its high-quality wines, particularly those from the Aglianico del Vulture DOC.
The primary grape variety in Basilicata is Aglianico, which is used to produce full-bodied, tannic red wines with good aging potential. Other red grape varieties grown in the region include Primitivo, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. White grape varieties, such as Malvasia and Moscato, are also cultivated, although they are less common. The most notable wine style from Basilicata is Aglianico del Vulture, a DOCG wine made from 100% Aglianico grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano.
The primary grape variety in Basilicata is Aglianico, which is used to produce full-bodied, tannic red wines with good aging potential. Other red grape varieties grown in the region include Primitivo, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. White grape varieties, such as Malvasia and Moscato, are also cultivated, although they are less common. The most notable wine style from Basilicata is Aglianico del Vulture, a DOCG wine made from 100% Aglianico grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano.
The Aglianico grape is often referred to as the 'Barolo of the South' due to its ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines similar in structure and depth to the famous Nebbiolo-based wines of Piedmont.