Basilicata

Question 1

Define the location and type of Basilicata’s four dominant soil types.

Answer 1

foothills - volcanic; coastal - sandy, central - clay, near Matera - limestone (kurst)

Question 2

What is the mix of red and white grapes in Basilicata?

Answer 2

70% red, 30% white

Question 3

What is the most planted grape in Basilicata?

Answer 3

Aglianco (47%); followed by Sangiovese (8%), Primitivo (4%) and Montepulciano (3%)

Question 4

What is the most distinctive white grape in Basilicata

Answer 4

Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata

Question 5

What is the difference between Aglianco in Campania and in Basilicata?

Answer 5

different biotypes; Aglianco del Vulture is considered to produce ines with more intense red fruit aromas than the Campanian biotype [vultuRE(d)]

Question 6

What are the biotypes of Aglianico?

Answer 6

all the same variety; Aglianco del Vulture, Aglianico di Taurasi, Aglianico del Taburno (or Agliancio Amaro) [ABV - Aglianico (Basilicata) del Vulture; TaBurno B is for bitter Amaro]

Question 7

What are the preferred growing conditions of Aglianico?

Answer 7

volcanic hillsides at altitude without associated drought

Question 8

What qualities of Aglianico offer comparisons to Barolo?

Answer 8

high in tannin and acidity (but not pale in color)

Question 9

Describe Basilicata’s topographical structure.

Answer 9

45% hills, 47% mountains, 8% plains

Question 10

Describe the skin and ripening of Aglianico.

Answer 10

thick skin and late ripening [contrast with Primitivo with early ripening]

Question 11

Describe the wine quality pyramid in Basilicata.

Answer 11

20/15/65 [Basciliata>Bulk]

Question 12

Which mountain covers almost half of Basilicata?

Answer 12

Southern Apennines, aka Apennine Lucano [not Monte Vulture!]

Question 13

What is the significance of Lucania?

Answer 13

common synonym for Basilicata, the ancient Lucani tribe occupied the area before arrival of Greeks

Question 14

What seas border Basilicata?

Answer 14

two, Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas

Question 15

What is etymology of Basilicata?

Answer 15

meaning “prince” or “governor”

Question 16

Where is most of the rain in Basilicata?

Answer 16

rainfall higher in the west, mountainous area

Question 17

What are the blending formulas for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOC?

Answer 17

both are 100% Aglianico

Question 18

Which Basilicata appellations can append MGA’s to label?

Answer 18

both Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Question 19

Which Basilicata appellations mandate oak aging?

Answer 19

both Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG and Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Question 20

What is the geographic significance of Matera?

Answer 20

city of Basilicata noted for a continuation of karst topography from Apulia border

Question 21

What is the historical significance of Matera?

Answer 21

ancient cave dwellings called Sassi di Matera

Question 22

What grape is considered backbone of red blends in the minor DOC’s in Basilicata?

Answer 22

Sangiovese (possibly native to this area)

Question 23

In what areas is Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata most often grown?

Answer 23

Vulture (historically added to Aglianico, but now forbidden)

Question 24

What vine training is most common in Basilicata?

Answer 24

Guyot

Question 25

What styles of Aglianco are permitted in Basilicata?

Answer 25

still and sparkling varietal

Question 26

What is pronunciation of Montepulciano

Answer 26

Monte-pul’-ciano

Question 27

What is the significance of Potenza?

Answer 27

capital of Basilicata {not Matera]