Wines from Basilicata (Lucania)
The volcanic slopes of extinct Mt. Vulture comprise the premiere terroir for Basilicata's heroic reds. Rugged Norman castles and Romanesque churches bear stony witness to the myriad cultural influences in this remote southern part of Italy.
Basilicata — Italy's ancient Magna Graecia — was settled by the Greeks early in the 7th century BC. These heroic mariners brought with them the vines from their homeland. In fact, the now-famous grape of the region, Aglianico (ah-l'yee-AH-nee-co) most likely derives its name from the word Hellenico. Called "the Barolo of the South," Aglianico wine has the second highest polyphenol index among grape varieties. The richest and most complex wines come from the volcanic soils surrounding Aglianico di Vulture DOC.
Wines of Basilium
Grapes: 100% Aglianico
Vineyards: Minerally tufa soils, about 1,970 ft above sea level
Vinification: Temperature-controlled maceration (72-77°)
Aging: Temperature-controlled, 12 mos in oak botte (lg. barrels), 6 mos in 2.25 hl- oak barriques
Annual Production: 1,250 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 68-72°, decant at least 1 hr before serving
Aglianico del Vulture DOC Le Gastaldie "Sicone"
"Sicone" is a deep ruby red with a spicy nose, velvety mouth-feel, and elegant tannins. Cherry, blackberry, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate, and black pepper pair perfectly with roasts, especially lamb, pecorino and ripe cheeses, sausage and game.
Gambero Rosso 2008 2 Glasses ('04)
Grapes: 100% Aglianico
Vineyards: Minerally tufa soils, about 1,970 ft above sea level
Vinification: Temperature-controlled maceration (72-77°)
Aging: Temperature-controlled, 2 years in oak
Annual Production: 333 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
Service: 68-72°, decant at least 1 hr before serving
Aglianico del Vulture DOC Riserva
The riserva is the fruit of selected grapes from the "Sicone", aged twice as long to create a smooth yet complex rich red wine. One of the few riserva made in the region.
Dense ruby red with an intense nose of spice and pepper, velvety mouth-feel with the softness of age and perfect tannins. Serve with roast game and sausages, steaks, aged pecorino and cheeses.
Gambero Rosso 2008 2 Glasses ('01)
Grape: 100% Aglianico
Vineyards: Minerally tufa soils, about 1,970 ft above sea level
Vinification: Temperature-controlled
fermentation (59-64°) with inoculation of selected yeast in barrique
Aging: Circa 12 mos in oak barriques
Annual Production: 1,650 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 50°
Aglianico Basilicata IGT bianco Le Gastaldie "Albula"
Hidden away in the remote volcanic hills of Acerenza, the "lost art" of vinifying white wine from the powerful Aglianico grape has been preserved. Originally made from the juice released by the grapes rubbing against the inside of the mule packs the growers used to bring their fruit to market, Le Gastaldie "Albula", is now enhanced through fermentation and aging in barrique. Additional bottle aging heightens the nuances of this unusual wine.
Spicy and complex with a luxurious mouthfeel and long acidic finish, it pairs with white meat, seafood, and pasta with tomato-based sauces.
Gambero Rosso 2008 1 Glass ('05)