Portfolio of Wines from Basilicata
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 Aglianico grape of the region derives its name from the word Hellenica.
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
U.S. Allocation: 1,660 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 68-72°, decant at least 1 hr before serving
Aglianico del Vulture DOC "Sicone"
Called "the Barolo of the South," Aglianico (ah-l'yee-AH-nee-co) wine has the second highest polyphenol index among grape varieties. The richest and most complex wines come from the volcanic soils surrounding Mt. Vulture (VOOL-too-rae).
"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.
Grape: 100% Aglianico
Vineyards: Minerally tufa soils, about 1,970 ft above sea level
Vinification: Temperature-controlled maceration (72-77°)
Aging: Temperature-controlled, 24 mos in oak botte (lg. barrels), 12 mos in oak barriques, 6 mos in bottles
U.S. allocation: 833 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Service: 68-72°, decant at least 1 hr before serving
Aglianico del Vulture DOC "Valle del Trono"
Valle del Trono is made from the best Aglianico vineyards in the southern Vulture appellation. Basilium processes the grapes from all the small growers in the consortium around Acerenza, allowing them to set aside the finest fruit for the long patient process of producing Aglianico del Vulture in the traditional manner.
Judicious use of seasoned oak, without micro-oxygenation or other "modern" enhancements results in a medium-bodied wine, ready to be enjoyed with Southern Italian food.
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
U.S. allocation: 830 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 50°
Le Gastaldie "Albula" IGT
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 ageing in barrique. Additional bottle ageing 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.