Land of volcanoes and ancient vines: the wine-making soul of Basilicata
Our selection of red wines from Basilicata represents a fascinating journey into one of Italy's most authentic and still partially unexplored wine regions. In this rugged and generous land, dominated by the majestic presence of Monte Vulture, an ancient extinct volcano that rises in the north of the region, Aglianico finds one of its most noble and characteristic expressions. The volcanic soils rich in tuff, lapilli and ash, combined with the high altitude (between 450 and 600 metres above sea level) and the particular continental microclimate with strong temperature variations, create the ideal conditions for the slow and complete ripening of this aristocratic grape variety. Here, in a landscape of extraordinary beauty made up of terraced vineyards climbing the volcanic slopes, red wines with an indomitable character are born, endowed with an imposing structure, a noble tannic texture and an aromatic profile of rare complexity. Our collection showcases both the historic producers who defined the classic style of Aglianico del Vulture and the new generation of winemakers who are bringing a breath of innovation while respecting tradition.
Aglianico del Vulture: the “Barolo of the South” in all its facets
The beating heart of our selection is represented by the different interpretations of Aglianico del Vulture, often referred to as the “Barolo of the South” for its imposing structure, extraordinary longevity and ability to accurately express the nuances of the terroir. Our labels reveal the different souls of this grape variety in its various territorial expressions: from wines from the sandier soils of Maschito and Ripacandida, which offer more immediate and elegant versions, to those from the clay and tuff-rich soils of Barile and Rapolla, where Aglianico achieves impressive power and concentration. There is no shortage of precious interpretations of individual historic crus, true “grand crus” of Lucanian viticulture, and Riserva versions that represent the pinnacle of quality in the appellation. We have carefully selected both the more traditional expressions, characterised by long maceration and ageing in large oak barrels, which enhance the tannic structure and ageing potential, and the more modern interpretations, vinified with more delicate techniques and calibrated ageing, which aim for greater accessibility and a more immediate expression of the fruit without sacrificing complexity and territorial character.
A treasure trove of biodiversity: beyond Aglianico
Although Aglianico is undoubtedly the pillar of Lucanian winemaking, our collection also explores the fascinating expressions of other native grape varieties that some enlightened producers are rediscovering and promoting. These include Primitivo from the Matera area, which takes on distinctive characteristics here compared to the more famous Apulian expressions, with greater freshness and verticality; Malvasia Nera, which in traditional blends with Aglianico brings aroma and softness; and rare local varieties such as Gaglioppo and Santa Sofia, true genetic heritage that is at risk of extinction. Our selection also includes interesting experiments with Bordeaux blends of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon which, planted in this particular volcanic terroir, take on unique and surprising characteristics. Today, the red wines of Basilicata represent not only the authentic expression of a still unspoilt territory, but also one of the most interesting frontiers of Italian oenology, where a thousand-year-old tradition meets a renewed awareness of quality. Each bottle tells the story of a region proud of its roots but with an eye to the future, where passionate winemakers often work in difficult conditions, on rough terrain and using traditional techniques, to produce wines of extraordinary personality, capable of competing with the most renowned Italian appellations while maintaining a surprisingly favourable quality-price ratio.
