Basilicata, Italy wine region
If you’re searching for an exciting new experience in Italy, look no further than the Basilicata wine region in the southern region of this country. This hidden gem is home to some of the most unique and delicious wines you will ever taste.
From the rich and bold Aglianico to the crisp and refreshing Greco di Tufo, Basilicata has a wine for every palate. The region’s unique terroir, with its volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate, lends a distinct minerality and complexity to the wines that cannot be found anywhere else.
But it’s not just the wine that makes Basilicata a must-visit destination. The region is steeped in history and culture, with ancient Roman ruins and traditional hilltop towns to explore. And the hospitality of the local winemakers will make you feel like a part of the family.
So why not add Basilicata to your next wine-tasting itinerary? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you
- Complex, unique wines that are a worthwhile try!
- Located in Southern Italy.
- Home to amazing Volcano sites and UNESCO world heritage sites.
Basilicata wine map
The Basilicata wine region, also known as Lucania, is located in the southern part of Italy, along the coast of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas. The region is relatively small but has a rich wine-making history that dates back to ancient Roman times.
The region’s unique terroir, with its volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate, lends a distinct minerality and complexity to the wines. The region’s most famous and important grape variety is Aglianico, which is used to produce robust, full-bodied red wines with high tannins and acidity. Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, are other popular white varieties.
Basilicata is also home to several DOC and DOCG wine zones, such as Aglianico del Vulture DOC, Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC, and Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOCG. These wines are known for their high quality and unique characteristics.
The region is also home to many small, family-run wineries that use traditional winemaking methods. These wineries often offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the region’s wine and culture.
Basilicata is a hidden gem of Italian wine production, its wines are still relatively unknown, but they deserve a spot on the wine lover’s radar. The region offers a true taste of Italy’s rich wine culture and history.
Cities to visit in Basilicata wine region
The Basilicata wine region in Italy is home to several cities that are popular among wine enthusiasts and tourists looking to explore the region’s wineries and vineyards. Basilicata region is full of surprises and is gaining more and more attention from wine enthusiasts and critics. Some of the most popular cities to visit in the Basilicata wine region include:
- Vulture – This is a small town located in the heart of the Basilicata wine region, it’s known for its Aglianico del Vulture wine, and it’s the center of the region’s wine production. Visitors can take guided tours of the wineries and vineyards in the area, and taste the wines made from the Aglianico grape.
- Venosa – This is an ancient city located in the province of Potenza, it’s known for its historical Roman ruins, and it’s also home to several wineries that produce Aglianico and Primitivo wines.
- Barile – This is a small town located in the province of Potenza, it’s known for its Greco di Tufo white wine and its Fiano wine. Visitors can take guided tours of the wineries and vineyards in the area, and taste the wines made from the Greco and Fiano grapes.
- Lavello – A city located in the province of Potenza, it’s known for its wineries that produce Aglianico del Vulture wines, and it’s also known for its historical center, with buildings and monuments of the medieval and Renaissance periods.
- Rapolla – A small town located in the province of Potenza, it’s known for its wineries that produce Aglianico del Vulture wines, and it’s also known for its beautiful historical center and the castle of the Normans.
Unique places to visit in the Basilicata wine region
In addition to the popular cities mentioned previously, the Basilicata wine region also offers several unique places to visit that are off the beaten path. Some of the unique places to visit in the region include:
The Sassi di Matera: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique places to visit in the region. The Sassi are ancient cave dwellings that have been carved into the rock, and they offer a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Visitors can take guided tours of the Sassi, and also visit the nearby wineries that produce Aglianico and Primitivo wines.
The National Park of Pollino: This is the largest national park in Italy, and it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park, and also visit the nearby wineries that produce Aglianico and Greco wines.
The Vulture volcano: The Vulture volcano is an inactive volcano that is located in the center of the region, the volcano offers visitors an opportunity to hike and explore the volcano, and also visit the nearby wineries that produce Aglianico and Primitivo wines.
The Castelmezzano: A small charming village located on the top of a hill, it’s known for its natural beauty and its traditional houses, visitors can hike, or take a scenic flight to see the village from above and also visit the nearby wineries that produce Aglianico and Greco wines.
The Melfi Castle: This is a medieval castle that is located in the city of Melfi, the castle offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region, and also visit the nearby wineries that produce Aglianico and Primitivo wines.
Overall, the Basilicata region is full of unique places to visit, it’s a region that has a lot to offer, and it’s a place that is worth visiting to discover its wines, its history, and its culture.
Best wineries to visit in Basilicata
Popular wines of Basilicata
Some of the most popular wines produced in the Basilicata wine region include:
Aglianico del Vulture: This wine is made from the Aglianico grape and is considered to be one of the finest wines produced in the region. It is known for its high acidity, tannins, and dark fruit and spicy flavors. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years before release and can age for a long time.
Primitivo di Manduria: This wine is made from the Primitivo grape and is characterized by its high alcohol content and rich, fruity flavors.
Greco di Tufo: This white wine is made from the Greco grape and is known for its floral and mineral aromas and its rich, complex flavors.
Fiano: This wine is made from the Fiano grape and is characterized by its crisp acidity and delicate aromas and flavors.
Aglianico del Latium IGP: This wine is a blend of Aglianico grapes, it is full-bodied, with a strong tannic structure, and a deep ruby red color, with a long finish, and fruity and spicy notes.
Aglianico del Basilicata IGP: This wine is also made from Aglianico grape, it’s dark ruby red, with a complex aroma of red fruits and spices, and a full-bodied and persistent taste, with a long finish.
About Basilicata Wines: Types & Characteristics
Basilicata wine region is located in southern Italy and is known for producing wines that are rich, full-bodied, and complex. The region has a long winemaking history and is home to several indigenous grape varieties.
One of the most important red grape varieties grown in the region is Aglianico, which is used to produce the wine Aglianico del Vulture. This wine is known for its high acidity and tannins, as well as its dark fruit and spicy flavors. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years before release and can age for a long time.
Primitivo is another important red grape variety grown in the Basilicata region. It is used to produce Primitivo di Manduria, a wine that is characterized by its high alcohol content and rich, fruity flavors.
The region also produces white wines, including Greco di Tufo and Fiano. Greco di Tufo is made from the Greco grape and is known for its floral and mineral aromas and its rich, complex flavors. Fiano is a white grape variety that is characterized by its crisp acidity and delicate aromas and flavors.
Overall, the Basilicata region is known for producing high-quality wines that are unique and distinctive, and represent the local terroir and tradition.
Appellations of the Basilicata wine region
Here are the main appellations of the Basilicata wine region:
- Aglianico del Vulture DOC – This appellation is reserved for red wines made from the Aglianico grape variety grown on the slopes of Mount Vulture. These wines tend to be full-bodied with notes of dark fruit and earthy undertones.
- Matera DOC – This appellation covers both red and white wines produced in the province of Matera. Red wines are typically made from a blend of local grape varieties, while white wines are often made from Greco or Malvasia grapes.
- Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC – This appellation covers both red and white wines produced in the Alta Val d’Agri area. Red wines are typically made from a blend of Aglianico and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, while white wines are often made from Malvasia or Trebbiano grapes.
- Grottino di Roccanova DOC – This appellation is reserved for red wines made from a blend of local grape varieties grown in the town of Roccanova. These wines tend to be medium-bodied with notes of red fruit and spice.
Basilicata Wine Taste Notes & Flavors
When tasting wines from the Basilicata wine region, you can expect to find wines that are rich, full-bodied, and complex. The wines produced in this region are known for their high acidity and tannins, as well as their dark fruit and spicy flavors.
Aglianico del Vulture is a wine that is often considered to be the flagship wine of the region. It is made from the Aglianico grape and is known for its high acidity, tannins, and dark fruit and spicy flavors. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years before release and can age for a long time.
Primitivo di Manduria is another popular wine from the region. It is made from the Primitivo grape and is characterized by its high alcohol content and rich, fruity flavors. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed young but also can be aged for a few years.
Greco di Tufo and Fiano are the most popular white wines of the region, both are characterized by their floral and mineral aromas, crisp acidity and delicate aromas and flavors.
When tasting wines from the Basilicata wine region, it’s important to keep in mind that these wines are unique and distinctive, and are a reflection of the local terroir and winemaking traditions. They are not to be compared to other wines from Italy or other regions.
Also, it’s recommended to taste the wines with traditional local dishes, that way, you will be able to appreciate the wine even more, and appreciate the pairing between the wine and the food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basilicata wine region
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What is the climate like in the Basilicata wine region?The climate in the Basilicata wine region is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. The region's altitude and volcanic soils also contribute to the unique terroir of the area.
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How long has the Basilicata wine region been producing wines?The Basilicata wine region has a long history of wine production, with evidence of wine production dating back to ancient Roman times.
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Are there any unique characteristics that set Basilicata wines apart from other Italian wines?Basilicata wines are known for their high acidity and tannins, as well as their rich, complex flavors and aromas. The wines are also known for their ability to age well, with some wines improving in flavor and complexity over many years.
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Are there any notable wineries or producers in the Basilicata wine region?There are several notable wineries and producers in the Basilicata wine region, including Cantine del Notaio, Tormaresca, and Feudi di San Gregorio. You can explore the best wineries in the Basilicata wine region with Winalist’s free search and booking feature!
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Are there any wine trails or wine routes in the Basilicata wine region?Yes, there are wine trails and wine routes in the Basilicata wine region that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the wineries and vineyards of the area. These include the Aglianico del Vulture wine route, the Primitivo di Manduria wine route, and the Greco di Tufo wine route.