Basilicata, nestled within Southern Italy and renowned for its mountainous terrain and rugged coastline, is an unassuming treasure trove of tantalising wines. Spanning from Potenza to the Ionian Sea, this quaint region may not be the first to spring to mind when one envisions Italy’s iconic viticulture. Yet those who delve into Basilicata's repertoire will discover a spectrum of wines as diverse and charming as the region's landscapes.
The star of Basilicata’s wine production is indubitably the robust and fiery Aglianico del Vulture. Born from the volcanic soils that surround Mount Vulture, these wines are brimming with complex, blackberry-infused flavours that often age into smoky, tar-like notes after a decade or two in the cellar. This wine, earning its well-deserved DOCG status, showcases the depth and potential of Basilicata's viticulture.
Yet, it would be shade on Basilicata to only attribute its vinous prowess to one wine. The region also presents intriguingly rare wines such as the light and fruity Moscato di Basilicata, the sprightly Matera, and the scarce Grottino di Roccanova, further displaying Basilicata's rich tapestry of wine production.
The shaded vineyards of Basilicata provide a cool respite in the Mediterranean heat, showing that this Southern Italian region knows how to strike a balance in its viticulture. From the luxurious ripeness of Aglianico del Vulture to the buoyant freshness of white Matera, the wines of Basilicata tend to share a robust, earthy character and a certain underlying minerality - likely due to the influence of the volcanic soils prevalent in the region.
Many vineyards here still uphold the memorable tradition of cultivating historic varietals with sustainable, long-established techniques. This unwavering dedication to tradition, combined with the natural charm and personality innate to Basilicata's wine, marks this region as an under-the-radar gem for any wine enthusiast seeking authentic Italian offerings.
Buy Basilicata wine below.
