Aglianico del Vulture

The Aglianico de Vulture appellation is awarded to red wines produced in the north-western part of the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, a region in southern Italy between the heel and toe of the boot. Red wines from this terroir were awarded DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) status in 1971, and DOCG (denominazione di origine controllata e garantita) in 2010 for the superior Vulture Aglianico crus. Enthusiasts rank these wines among Italy's finest productions, coming close to Barolo in terms of both production and taste.

The Aglianico grape was brought to the Italian peninsula by the Greeks, its name probably deriving from "Hellenico". The Romans adopted it in certain parts of the Empire, and in particular developed its cultivation at the foot of Mount Vulture. The vines grow on the slopes of this extinct volcano at altitudes of up to 760 metres, producing a robust wine with a beautiful ruby color. The appellation's cherry specifications call for at least five years' ageing to produce an Aglianico de Vulture vecchio, and a further three years to produce an Aglianico de Vulture riserva. The region produces fine, complex and structured wines for ageing, such as those offered by Domaine Elena Fucci.