The best wines from Basilicata in Italy

Basilicata is a small wine region in the south of Italy. The vineyards are located on the steep slopes of extinct volcanoes. A lot of table wine is pressed. No more than 2% of Basilicata wine may carry DOC status. The best-regarded wine from Basilicata is the Aglianico del Vulture, a red wine from the Aglianico grape.

In Basilicata you have just about reached the economically poorest region in Italy. In recent decades there has been an exodus of residents who sought economic salvation elsewhere. Economic activity is limited and this also applies to viticulture. A shame, because Basilicata does not lack the conditions to make beautiful wines. It is dry, mountainous and many vineyards are located on loess or volcanic soil. Working in this rugged landscape is not easy for the winegrowers. They tie their vines to posts with a wire frame to allow them to ripen optimally. There is no mechanical harvesting.

Aglianico del Vulture

The best wines from Basilicata are made from the Aglianico grape. The Aglianico is a real quality grape that also produces beautiful wines in Campania. The best from Basilicata is the Aglianico del Vulture DOC from the volcanic vineyards of the Vulture region at 400 to 600 meters. An aromatic and robust red wine that can have a lot of elegance and can be counted among the most interesting red wines in Italy. In addition, the winegrowers from Basilicata make red wine from Primitovo and Malvasia Nera and white from Malvasia, Greco and Muscat.