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Let's Tour Italy's Lesser Known Regions: Basilicata and Molise
SUSANNAH GOLD, FWS, DWS, VIA AMBASSADOR VIGNETO COMMUNICATIONS FEBRUARY 12TH, 2020
Location – Basilicata & Molise
Region: Basilicata
Surface (sq mi) 3889
Vineyard (acres) 12,379
Provinces
Potenza Matera
From Istituto Commercio Estero (ICE)
Viticultural History
Basilicata – First viticulture was brought by the Lucans, then flourished with the Greeks Basilicata was part of Magna Grecia (Greater Greece) Not much is known about the quality of the wines or what their market was Basilicata is also called Lucania First writing about Basilicata wines was during the Roman Era under Horace and Pliny the Elder. Horace was born in Basilicata, in Venosa Little discussed for the next 1000 years until 17th century when wines from Melfi were mentioned. Melfi is on the border of Campania and Puglia
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More Recent History
Melfi mentioned in the 19th Century as the hub of Lucan viticulture During the 20th century, other areas were also mentioned Some grape varieties from different areas in Italy arrived after Italian Unification Yet Basilicata remained largely isolated from other regions Vulture became an important area. Volcano last exploded 40,000 years ago Most wines were consumed locally and were ready to drink wines not made for long aging. Basilicata was a poor region and sparsely populated as well. Emigration hasn’t help either and continues to this day Main industry is tourism and agriculture
Geography
Mountainous region (47%)
The three main peaks dotted across the region are Monte Pollino at 2238m (7375ft), Monte Sirino at 2005m (6578ft) and the extinct volcano Monte Vulture at 1326m (4350ft).
Two lakes inside the Volcanic crater
Hilly (45%)
The only flat land is around the town of Metaponto, a Greek settlement where some think Aglianico made it’s first appearance
Lucan Apennines run down the middle of the region
Geography
Basilicata is one of Italy’s lesser known regions for its wines and its cultural traditions. It is one of the least densely populated regions, 19th out of 20 regions in terms of population density, 18th of 20 in terms of population numbers, 14th out of 20 in terms of its’ territory.
Touches both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas
It borders are Puglia to the North and East, Campania to the West and Calabria to the South.
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Soils
Western Area is comprised on limestone and sandstone rock
In the North, Mount Vulture is located which is a volcano
Moving towards Murge, there are compact clay and sands with marine deposits
©iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Climate
Continental inland and at the higher altitude Frequent breezes Frequent snowfall during the winter Summer is mild and short On the coast though, the climate is more Mediterranean and the summers are hot in the hilly areas Near the Murge, there can be intense heat with drought conditions
From Vinous.com
Denominations
From Federdoc
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Denomination: Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Aglianico del Vulture DOC established in 1971 15 Municipalities all in the Potenza Province Grape Variety: 100% Aglianico Vineyard Area: 615 Ha Vineyard elevation: 200-700 meters asl Production: 9, 260 hl Wine Style: Dry Red but some sparkling wine made as well Minimum Alcohol: 12.5% Residual Sugar: Maximum 10g/l (1%) for Rosso. Sparkling wine can be Brut or extra dry Aging requirements: 10 months for red wine, 9 months for sparkling wine. Sparkling wine is only made using the traditional bottle fermentation.
Denomination: Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG
Aglianico del Vulture DOCG established in 2010
Grape Variety: 100% Aglianico
Vineyard Area: 82 Ha
Wine Style: Dry Red and Riserva
Minimum Alcohol: 13.5%
Aging requirements: Three years including 12 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle
Riserva aging requirements: Five years including 24 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle
From Vinous.com
Matera – Fun Facts
Town settled since the 10th century B.C.
One of the oldest inhabited regions in the World
The town lies in a small canyon carved out by the Gravina River
Famous for its Sassi – cave dwelling in use for millennium – dug into the calcareous rock
Rupestrian Churches
World Heritage Site in 1993
2019 Capital of Europe
“Cristo si e fermato ad Eboli” – Carlo Levi
Pier Paolo Pasolini – The Gospel According to Matthew
Mel Gibson Movie – The Passion of Christ
Garth Davis – Mary Magdalene
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Denomination: Matera DOC
Matera DOC 2005
Matera Bianco/Matera Spumante, minimum 70% Malavasia, Minimum 10% Greco.Maximum 20% other authorized non- aromatic varieties
Matera Greco, Minimum 85% Greco Bianco, 15% other authorized non-aromatic varieties
Matera Rosso, Minimum 60% Sangiovese
Matera Primitivo, Minimum 90% Primitivo, up to 10% authorized varieties
Matera Rosso Moro, Minimum 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, Minimum 20% Primitivo, 10% Merlot and 10% other authorized varieties
©iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Denomination: Grottino di Roccanova DOC
DOC established in 2009
Wine Styles, Red, White and Rosato
White – 80% Malvasia plus other authorized white varieties
Red and Rosato – 60-85% Sangiovese, 5-30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5-30% Malvasia Nera di Basilicata, 5-30% Montepulciano, 10% other authorized varieties
Minimum alcohol level: 11% Bianco, 11.5% Rosato, 12% Rosso, 13% Riserva
Aging requirements: 5 months Bianco and Rosato, 9 months for Rosso, 36 months for Riserva
IGT Designation, Outsiders Buy In
Basilicata IGT
Groups from outside the region are betting on a comeback – GIV, others from Tuscany, Veneto, Campania
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Denomination: Terra dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC
DOC established in 2003 Wine Styles, Red, Rosato, Riserva Rosato –Minimum 50% Merlot, Minimum 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Minimum 10% Malvasia Nera di Basilicata, Maximum 20% other authorized varieties. Rosso and Rosso Riserva – Minimum 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Maximum 20% other authorized varieties Maximum Vineyard Elevation: 800 meters Minimum alcohol level: 11.5% Rosato, 12% Rosso, 12.5% Riserva Aging requirements: 12 months for Rosso, 24 months for Riserva
Grape Varieties: Aglianico
Considered one of Italy’s three noble red grape varieties together with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo Long thought to come from Greece, Attilio Scienza, Italy’s preeminent grape geneticist, the word Aglianico actually comes from a Spanish word that means field. Main grape variety in Falernian – the famous wine from Campania that they drank during the Roman Era Planted in Southern Italy – Campania, Basilicata, Molise and Puglia Trained low to the ground Small and compact bunches, thick skinned and rich in color, tannin, acidity and extract Late ripening variety, mid October to early November Intense, full bodied wines with noticeable tannins and acidity and moderate to high alcohol Aromas: spice, earth, floral and sometimes gamey Wood aging generally chestnut but some producers are using French oak
Aglianico Campania V Basilicata
Aglianico from Campania and from Vulture are the same variety, albeit not exact the same due to intravarietal variation. Three major biotypes – Taurasi, Taburno and del Vulture. Taurasi has the smallest berries and is the most floral. Taburno larger bunches and ripens earlier. Vulture has the most fruit and mineral concentration Long hot summer days give darkest wines with noticeable violet aromas Most producers from Vulture grow all three biotypes Aglianicone is another variety all together Grows well at altitude Has an affinity with Volcanic soils, complex smoky notes
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Grape Varieties: Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata
c Belongs to the Malvasia family of grapes Name comes from Monevasia, the town in Greece in the Peloponnese where sweet wines were produced which were exported to Europe by the Venetians Malavasia became a generic name for this family of grape varieties Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata is similar to Malvasia Aromatica di Candia Considered one of the Malvasie Aromatiche Largely used in blends, brings acidity and fragrance Small, white berry, waxy green skin, medium size bunch Ripens in Mid-September
Grape Varieties: Malvasia Nera di Basilicata
This red grape variety tends to be used as a blending grape rather than as a monovarietal.
It brings aromatics, alcohol and acidity to the blend.
It grow around the cities of Matera and Potenza.
It is part of the Grottino di Roccanova DOC, which was given that designation in 2009.
It is blended with Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon in the DOC
Producers to Watch
Basilisco
Bisceglia Francesco Marino Regio Cantina Cantine Cifarelli Grifalco San Martino Cantina del Notaio I Gelsi Società Agricola Ditaranto Cantina di Venosa Il Passo Taverna Carbone Michele Laluce Terra degli Svevi Re Manfredi D’Angelo Musto Carmelitano Terra di Re Donato D’Angelo Paternoster Vigne Mastrodomenico Elena Fucci Poggio Anima Vigneti del Vulture
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Molise – Second Smallest Italian Region
Region: Molise
Surface (sq mi) 1722
Vineyard (acres) 13,247
Viticultural History
Traces of ancient viticultural practices that date to pre-Roman times Local population were the Samnites, then the Etruscans and then the Romans When the Romans created a colony and took over, the area became sparsely populated Later Ligurian tribes occupied the area and began cultivation of crops more formally Really only mentioned after Italian Unification Part of Abruzzo until 1963 Became independent from Abruzzo as a wine region in the 20th century Affected by phyollera
More Facts About Molise
Molise is one of the least visited and least well-known regions of Italy. It is located on the border between Apulia and Basilicata. Molise is home to some beautiful beach towns with medieval cities such as Termoli Larino where most of the delicious pasta La Molisana comes from Molise is also very well known for its olive oil which has more flavors and aromas than some of its Northern counterparts. They also have numerous indigneous cultivars which can’t be found elsewhere in Italy. 40% of Italian white truffles come from Molise
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Geography
55% Mountainous
45% Hilly
Smallest region after the Valle d’Aosta
Influenced by Apennines, Sub-Apennines, Coast
Biferno River
Main Provinces Biferno, Campobasso
Climate & Soils
Quite Variable
Inland more Continental with intense rainfall
Coast more Mediterranean in Climate
The combination of morainic and calcareous soils, its location between the Apennines and Adriatic Sea, and the varied climates make it a good wine growing area
Denominations: Molise
From Federdoc
9 2/13/2020
Denomination: Tintilia del Molise DOC
DOC in 2011 Terrain: 60% of the area is mountainous, 40% hilly Altitude: 200 – 500 meters asl Soils: Sandy, clay soils Climate: Diurnal temperate swings Red and Rosato wines Grape variety: 95% Tintilia Tintilia Riserva: 2 years aging after the harvest Wines are dark in color, full bodied with pronounced tannins. Often a perfumy, balsamic note to the wines with dark fruit and spice
Denomination: Molise DOC
DOC in 1998 Regional doc covering white, rosato, red from the entire region Mostly varietal wines, minimum 85% of the state variety Often indigenous and international blends Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, Chardonnay and Moscato Bianco, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc are also produced, among whites Aglianico, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are most common among the reds
Denomination: Biferno DOC
DOC since 1983
Bianco: Trebbiano Toscano, Minimum 60-70%
Rosso and Rosato: Minimum 70-80% Montepulciano, Minimum 10-20% Aglianico, up to 20% Authorized grapes
Maximum vineyard elevation: 500 m (1,640 ft) for reds; 600 m (1,970 ft) for whites
Minimum alcohol level: 10.5% for Bianco; 11.5% for Rosato and Rosso; 12.5% for Superiore; 13.0% for Riserva
Aging requirement: For Riserva, minimum 3 years
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Pentro di Isernia DOC or Pentro
DOC since 1983 Very little wine produced here currently Province of Isernia Bianco: 80% Falanghina, 15-20% Trebbiano Toscano, 5% other white varieties (Changed in 2014) Rosso and Rosato: Minimum 75-80% Montepulciano, 20-25% Tintilia, 5% other authorized red grape varieties Maximum elevation 600 meters asl Minimum alcohol level: 10.5% for Bianco; 11.0% for Rosato and Rosso; 12.5% for Riserva Aging Requirements: For Rosso, minimum 1 year, including 6 months in barrel For Riserva, minimum 4 years, including 2 years in barrel and 6 months in bottle
Grape Varieties: Tintilia
Only grown in Molise
Low yields
Almost abandoned, World War II
Making a comeback last 20-30 years
Loads of color
Produces complex wines, full bodied, nice acidity with softer tannins than one might expect, spicy and floral notes, quasi aromatic
Grape Varieties: Montepulciano
Most cultivated variety in Molise
Second most cultivated variety in Italy after Sangiovese
Grown throughout Central Italy
Highly adaptable to soil types
Medium to high yields
Medium to high tannins, good acidity
Depending on yields and winemaking can make fruit forward wines or more structured ones for aging
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Trebbiano Toscano
Grown throughout Central Italy
Part of large grape family
Also known as Ugni Blanc in France
Very important variety in Molise
Grape Varieties: Aglianico
Considered one of Italy’s three noble red grape varieties together with Sangiovese and Nebbiolo Long thought to come from Greece, Attilio Scienza says the name comes from a Spanish word rather than a Greek one Main grape variety in Falernian – the famous wine from Campania that they drank during the Roman Era Planted in Southern Italy – Campania, Basilicata, Molise and Puglia Small and compact bunches, thick skinned and rich in color, tannin, acidity and extract Late ripening variety, mid October to early November Intense, full bodied wines with noticeable tannins and acidity and moderate to high alcohol Aromas: spice, earth, floral and sometimes gamey
Producers to Watch
Arco Antico Cantina Cliterna Cantina Angelo d’Uva Cantina San Zenone Cantine Angelo D’Uva Azienda Agricola Cianfagna Cantine Borgo di Colleredo Azienda Agricola Colle Sereno Cantine di Tullio Azienda Agricola Vinica Cantine Salvatore Claudio Cipresso Azienda Catabbo Di Majo Norante Campi Valerio Fattoria di Vaira Il Vignale Cantina Cliterna Palladino Canitna San Zenone Tenimenti Grieco Terresacre
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