Basilicata

Basilicata wines are a buried treasure. I plan to make a post about each region in Italy so you can learn about the hundreds of varieties. Italy has more varieties of grapes than all of the other countries combined! Some are familiar like pinot grigio or Chianti, but some are not. However, that does not mean that you will not find them in stores. Due to their lack of popularity, they keep their prices low even though the wines are amazing. Basilicata is the instep of the boot in Italy.

Basilcata Wines

Basilicata has four appellations. The most prominent is Aglianico del vulture. Wines made from the aglianico grape are some of the best in the world. It is pronounced eye-ya-KNEE-coh. Its deeply flavored and structured wines have excellent ageing potential. The remaining three appellations are Matera, Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri and Grottino di Roccanova.

There are six wines produced in Matera, including three dry reds, Matera Rosso, Matera Primitivo and Matera Moro. Primitivo is the same grape as zinfandel! Matera Moro is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, primitivo and merlot, but mostly cabernet. There are two dry whites called Matera Bianco and Matera Greco. The bianco is mostly malvasia and the greco is 100% greco grapes. And, there is a sparkling wine called Matera Spumante. Matera uses mostly Italian varieties like aglianico. However, some of their wines use cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

More Basilicata Wines

Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri uses mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon grapes. Grottino di Roccanova uses red varietals such as sangiovese, barbera and ciliegiolo. Dry whites are made using malvasia, trebbiano and moscato. Also, many other fine wines are produced there.

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