Basilicata - Grape Varieties and Appellations

Question 1

What are the minimum of ageing requirements of Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG

and Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva?

Answer 1

Aglianico del Vulture Superiore:

3 years with at least one year in wood and one year in bottle.

Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva:

Two years in wood with one year in bottle and cannot be released before November 1st of the fifth year after harvest.

Question 2

What is the difference of Aglianico del Vulture biotype compared to the Campanian biotype?

Answer 2

It produces wine with more intense red fruity aromas.

Question 3

White grapes play a minor role not only in terms of plantings but also in terms of importance.

What white grape is the exception?

Answer 3

Malvasia Bianco di Basilicata

Question 4

What is the traditional Malvasia variety of Basilicata, grown in the Vulture area as it was traditionally added in small amounts to Aglianico.

Answer 4

Malvasia Bianco di Basilicata

Question 5

What is, by far, the most widely planted grape in Basilicata?

Answer 5

Aglianico

Question 6

True or False

The National Registry of Grapes lists Aglianico from Campania and Vulture to be separate varieties, rather different biotypes.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What is considered one of Italy’s noble red grapes and it is Basilicata’s claim to fame?

Answer 7

Agliniaco

Question 8

What is the minimum percentage of Aglianico for Aglianico del Vulture DOC and Aglianico del Vulture DOCG?

Answer 8

100%

Question 9

What is the only IGT in Basilicata?

Answer 9

Basilicata IGT

Question 10

What are the percentages of wine production in Basilicata of :

• DOC/G
• IGT
• Buik

Answer 10

• DOC/G: 20%
• IGT 15%
• Bul: Rest

Question 11

Why has Vulture area optimal conditions of growing Aglianico (2)?

Answer 11

1. Plenty of sun
2. Substantial diurnal temperature swings

Question 12

True or False

Spumante can be produced for Aglianico del Vulture Superiore.

Answer 12

False

Only Aglianico del Vulture DOC can have spumante style..

Question 13

What is the percentage of red grapes in Basilicata’s total area under vine?

Answer 13

70%

Question 14

How many MGAs in Aglianico del Vulture DOC?

Answer 14

70 Different MGAs can append their name on labels.

Question 15

List three biotypes of Aglianico.

Answer 15

• Aglianico del Vulture
• Aglianico di Taurasi
• Aglianico del Taburno (or Aglianico Amaro)

Question 16

The winegrowing area of Aglianico del Vulture can be divided in two area.

Describe them and characteristics of the wine produced.

Answer 16

1. Slopes and hills that surround the volcano (higher elevation) on volcanic soil - more refined and complex wines.
2. East of the volcano, lower elevation on sandy clay soils of marine origin, produce fuller and more generous wines.

Question 17

What is the main appellation of Basilicata located in the northernmost of the region surrounding an ancient and extinct volcano with optimal growing conditions of Aglianico?

Answer 17

Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG(!)

Question 18

This geographically large area encompasses the southeaster part of Basilicata, borders Puglia and faces the Ionian Sea.

Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata is the base of Bianco, Passito and Spumante.

Answer 18

Matera DOC