Basilicata, in southern Italy, is a region whose name crops up only very rarely in wine circles. It is best known for red wines from the Aglianico variety, and in particular the Aglianico del Vulture appellation.
It is home to just four DOCs, which collectively cover only two bottles in every hundred produced here. The remaining 98 percent is sold either under IGT titles or – more likely – Vino da Tavola. Compared to other Italian wine regions, total wine production in here is very small at less than 50 million liters.
While Aglianico is the 'celebrity' of the region, the huge range of 'understudy' varieties that for years seldom gained attention are now taking centre stage. This is mainly thanks to the greater flexibility of IGT regulations. There are some very pleasant examples of Moscato, and some superb Malvasia. The best of these come from the Vulture zone and the eastern Bradano Valley.
Primitivo, Sangiovese and Montepulciano also do particularly well, as does Bombino Nero. The Aglianico grape is the star of the Aglianico del Vulture wine. But it is also grown some distance away on the plains of Matera for use in Vino da Tavola wines. (© Wine-Searcher).
