Basilicata
The rising star of Southern Italy
Basilicata, the cradle of Aglianico
Basilicata, a region in the south of Italy, is seldom mentioned in the context of wine discussions.
Despite being the smallest region in Southern Italy, Basilicata punches above its weight in terms of recognition in the Italian wine scene.
On the slopes of inactive Vulture volcano, the Aglianico grape benefits from high elevations and a cool mesoclimate, resulting in an extended growing cycle. It often gives refined wines with excellent aging potential
- Area: 10,073 km2 (14th out of 20)
- Mountain: 46,8%
- Hill: 45,1%
- Plain: 8%
- Highest peak: Monte Pollino (2,248 mt)
- Population: 537,577 (0,9%)
- Provinces: Potenza, Matera
- It is the smallest region in Southern Italy and ranks third among the Italian regions with the tiniest wine production (after Valle d’Aosta and Liguria).
- 47% of the regional surface is mountainous, and the vineyards are concentrated around Mont Vulture, benefiting from high altitude resulting in a long growing cycle for Aglianico.
- Statistics on the region are hard to find but red Aglianico del Vulture makes the lion’s share of total volumes.
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Basilicata Travel Guide
Where is Basilicata located?
Nestled between Campania, Puglia, and Calabria in southern Italy, Basilicata boasts an impressive mountainous territory shaped by ancient volcanoes. Rich in history and culture, this area offers several noteworthy – if little-known – tourist attractions. It is also the cradle of Aglianico del Vulture, one of the finest reds in Southern Italy.
Why is it called Basilicata?
The term Basilicata was first used in 1175 and likely referred to the former Byzantine administrator of the province named ‘Basilikos‘.
What to See in Basilicata?
- Craco: the ghost town.
- Lakes of Monticchio: volcanic wonders.
- Vulture Area: the cradle of the Aglianico del Vulture wine.
- Venosa: hometown of the Latin poet Horace.
- Lucanian Dolomites: a hiker’s paradise.
- Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa: scenic villages.
- Val d’Agri: lush nature.
- Matera: a UNESCO heritage site with its stone-carved “Sassi” houses.
- San Fele Waterfalls: natural beauties.
- Maratea: mountains diving into the Tyrrhenian Sea, drawing parallels to the Amalfi coast.
- Murgia Materana Park: spectacular limestone formations shape a unique landscape
- Aliano Badlands: lunar landscapes.
- Lagopesole Castle: one of the manors inhabited by Emperor Federick II.
What is the typical dish of Basilicata?
Many of Basilicata’s most time-honored and traditional recipes center on lamb and mutton, such as spezzatino di agnello, a dish featuring slow-cooked lamb.
- Basilicata offers flavorful dishes such as Crapiata Materana, a rustic and nutritious soup, Peperoni Cruschi (dried peppers) from Senise, and the Pezzente della Montagna Materana salami.
- Pane di Matera is usually made with the ancient Senatore Cappelli wheat variety and was granted IGP status.
- Sarconi Beans are perfect to make flavorful soups.
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Grapes in Basilicata
Basilicata is the smallest region in Southern Italy and ranks third among the Italian regions with the tiniest wine production (after Valle d’Aosta and Liguria)
Which are the main grape varieties in Basilicata?
Aglianico del Vulture: Believed to date back to the 7th or 6th century BC, this red wine is known for its full-bodied structure and racy tannins. It displays spicy and earthy aromas mingling with flavors of dark fruits, coffee, and chocolate. Grown at high altitudes on the slopes of the inactive Vulture volcano, Aglianico the Vulture tends to display higher acidity and greater finesse than examples of Aglianico from Campania and Puglia. It is also considered one of Italy’s age-worthiest red wines.
Malvasia di Basilicata: Malvasia-based white wines like Grottino di Roccanova DOC and Matera DOC pair well with local dishes, including la rafanata (horseradish omelet). Sweet versions are also worth seeking out.
Primitivo: native to neighboring Puglia, Primitivo thrives in the Murge Materane area. It gives bold and spicy wines with good acidity to balance
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Wine Areas in Basilicata
- Hectares under vine: approximately 4,000
- Total production: 86,000 hectoliters (2022)
- Vineyard altitude: 200 to 700 meters.
- Number of DOCGs: 1
- Annual rainfall: approximately 814 mm
What are the wine-growing areas in Basilicata?
Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano near Potenza, is the main wine-producing area, specializing in full-bodied reds from the Aglianico grape.
What are the Appellations of Basilicata?
Wines with DOC and DOCG designations represent about a third of the wine production.
- Aglianico del Vulture (DOC)
- Aglianico del Vulture Superiore (DOCG)
- Grottino di Roccanova (DOC)
- Matera (DOC)
- Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri (DOC)
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Wineries in Basilicata
Basilicata houses a noteworthy amount of small but highly influential wineries. The ones listed below are the most important among them.
Big Wineries
- Cantina del Vulture
- Cantina di Venosa
Cult Wineries
- Cantine del Notaio
- D’Angelo
- Basilisco
- Elena Fucci
- Paternoster
Up-and-Coming Wineries
- Grifalco
- Mastrodomenico
- Musto Carmelitano
Natural Wine Producers
- Camerlengo
Travel
Experience the charm of Basilicata through its quaint, history-rich villages, and untouched rural landscape. Immerse yourself in a journey through time and nature, where the beauty of the past meets the serenity of the present.
Grapes
Discover Basilicata's famed Aglianico red wines. Experience the unique taste that sets this region apart. Savor the tradition, embrace the excellence
Wine areas
Explore the heart of Basilicata's winemaking on the slopes of Mount Vulture. Experience the terroir and taste the renowned Aglianico del Vulture, where ancient tradition meets modern excellence.
Wineries
Explore the distinguished wineries of Basilicata's wine region, where tradition meets excellence: Cantine del Notaio, Paternoster, Elena Fucci
basilicata
Curiosities, food and wine pairings and much more
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