Where is Basilicata located in Italy?
In the south of Italy, between Campania (north), Puglia (east), and Calabria (south), with coastlines on both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas.
What percentage of Italy’s total wine production comes from Basilicata?
Less than 0.5%.
How much of Basilicata’s vineyard surface is dedicated to quality wines (DOC/G)?
Around 90%.
What is the general topography of Basilicata?
Mostly mountainous and hilly, dominated by the Apennines and Monte Vulture (an extinct volcano).
What is the climate of Basilicata like?
Continental in the interior (cool nights, snowy winters), Mediterranean along the coasts.
What are the main soil types in Basilicata?
Volcanic (especially around Monte Vulture), mixed with calcareous and clay-limestone soils.
Which grape dominates Basilicata’s vineyards according to the pie chart?
Aglianico — around 46% of total plantings.
What are the other key grape varieties in Basilicata (from the pie chart)?
Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata (17%), Malvasia Nera (8%), Sangiovese (8%), Montepulciano (4%), and other varieties (17%).
What style of wine is Basilicata best known for?
Structured, ageworthy red wines made from Aglianico, especially in the Vulture area.
Is there significant white wine production in Basilicata?
Yes, mainly based on Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata, producing light, aromatic whites.
What is the key appellation of Basilicata?
Aglianico del Vulture DOC.
Around which geographical feature is Aglianico del Vulture DOC centered?
Around Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano in the north of Basilicata.
What are the soils of Aglianico del Vulture DOC like?
Volcanic, with layers of tuff, basalt, and ash, over calcareous subsoils.
What is the climate like in Aglianico del Vulture DOC?
Continental with large diurnal temperature ranges, contributing to slow ripening and aromatic complexity.
What grape is Aglianico del Vulture DOC based on?
100% Aglianico.
What wine styles are produced under Aglianico del Vulture DOC?
Dry red wines, often powerful and long-lived, sometimes aged in oak.
When was Aglianico del Vulture Superiore upgraded to DOCG status?
In 2010.
What are the ageing requirements for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG?
Minimum 3 years, including 1 year in wood.
What about the aging requirements of Riserva wines under this DOCG?
Minimum 5 years of ageing, including 2 years in wood.
What are typical characteristics of Aglianico del Vulture DOCG wines?
Deep color, firm tannins, high acidity, intense dark fruit, spice and mineral notes, and excellent ageing potential.
Are there other appellations in Basilicata besides Aglianico del Vulture DOC/G?
Yes, but they are minor and less internationally recognized; IGT Basilicata is also used flexibly for local and international varieties.
