Understanding the Wine Regions and Styles of Basilicata
In the world of Italian wines, Basilicata often remains overshadowed by its more popular neighbors, like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto.
However, this relatively undiscovered region in southern Italy has a wine story worth telling. With a fascinating history, diverse climate, and unique terroir, Basilicata offers exceptional wines for those willing to explore its vinous offerings.
Basilicata’s Climate: A Dance of Nature’s Elements
The region’s climate is characterized by ample sunshine during the growing season and pleasant temperatures during the harvest. Cool Balkan winds sweeping down the Adriatic and into Puglia moderate the temperatures, while gentle currents from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west are blocked by the Apennines. This delicate balance of environmental factors creates the perfect environment for the native Aglianico del Vulture variety to thrive, yielding wines of unparalleled character.
Terroir: A Mosaic of Soils
In the most interior and mountainous regions, the climate is continental, with cold winter temperatures and snowfalls in the mountains; in contrast, the summers are mild but only last for a short period of time.
The Mediterranean has an effect on the weather along the coast, while the low hills and plains have mild winters and hot summers.
The annual average rainfall ranges from 500 millimeters in hilly and lowland areas to 600-800 millimeters and more in more mountainous and hilly regions, with marked differences between the mountainous-hilly part and the flat part.
The rainfall is more abundant in autumn.
A Tapestry of Grape Varieties
Aglianico del Vulture may be the region’s most celebrated grape, but it shares the stage with a vibrant cast of supporting varieties. The region’s IGT designation has paved the way for grapes like Moscato and Malvasia to shine, particularly in the Vulture area and the eastern Bradano Valley. Other successful grape varieties include Primitivo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Bombino Nero.
Basilicata’s Wine Designations: DOC and DOCG
The region is home to one DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) – Aglianico del Vulture Superiore – and four DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata): Aglianico del Vulture, Grottino di Roccanova, Matera, and Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri.
Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Most people agree that the Aglianico del Vulture DOC is one of the best places in Basilicata to make wine. This area, which is on the lower slopes of Mount Vulture, grows grapes called Aglianico that are of very high quality.
The soils in this region are rich in volcanic minerals, which impart a flavor that is both distinctive and robust upon the grapes grown there. The weather is warm and dry, and there are a lot of hours of sunshine, so the grapes are able to ripen to their full potential in this region.
Wines bearing the Aglianico del Vulture DOC designation are renowned for having a robust, full-bodied, and tannic structure. They have a robust flavor that is reminiscent of dark fruits, black cherry, and licorice, and their aroma is deep and earthy. These wines are excellent for aging and taste fantastic when paired with hearty stews and meat dishes. They also age well.
Matera DOC
The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) Matera is in the southern part of Basilicata, and its Nero di Troia grapes are known for being some of the best in the world.
The flavor of these grapes is unlike any other because the soils in this region are high in volcanic minerals.
The weather is warm and dry, and there are a lot of hours of sunshine, all of which contribute to the grapes reaching their full maturity.
The wines that bear the Matera DOC designation have a body that is somewhere in the middle and a texture that is velvety smooth.
They have a flavor that is both rich and fruity, with undertones of both dark fruit and black cherry, as well as spice.
These wines are excellent for aging, and they pair particularly well with meats and pastas that have been grilled.
Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC
Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC is a recent addition, receiving its designation in 2003, and produces red, rosé, and white wines.
The Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC can be found in the upper part of the province of Basilicata and is famous for the excellent Aglianico grapes that are grown there.
The strong mineral taste of the wines made in this area is due in part to the clay and limestone in the soil.
Because of the climate, which is cool and damp and features long hours of rainfall, the grapes are able to ripen to their full potential.
The Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC wines have a body that is medium in intensity, and their texture is velvety smooth.
Grottino di Roccanova DOC
The Grottino di Roccanova DOC, which is in the middle of the Basilicata region and is known for its location, grows grapes that are very good.
The strong mineral taste of the wines made in this area is due in part to the clay and limestone in the soil.
The weather is warm and dry, and there are a lot of hours of sunshine, all of which contribute to the grapes reaching their full maturity.
The Grottino di Roccanova DOC wines have a body that ranges from medium to full, and they have a flavor that is both rich and intense.
They have a powerful tannic structure and exhibit aromas and flavors reminiscent of dark fruits, black cherries, and licorice.
These wines are best appreciated when paired with rich stews and hearty cuts of meat.
A Rich History of Winemaking
The roots of winemaking in Basilicata stretch back thousands of years, with the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans all leaving their mark on the region. The Byzantines, who ruled Basilicata during two separate periods, also influenced the region’s winemaking culture. The name “Basilicata” itself is derived from the Greek word basilikos, meaning “prince and governor.”
The Aglianico grape has been the cornerstone of Basilicata’s winemaking for generations, with most historians attributing its introduction to the late Middle Ages under Spanish Aragon rule.