Aglianico del Vulture

The Aglianico di Vulture appellation is reserved for red wines produced in the northwestern part of the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, a region located in southern Italy, between the heel and the toe of the boot. Red wines from this region were granted DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status in 1971 and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status in 2010 for the top-tier Aglianico di Vulture wines. Wine enthusiasts rank these wines among Italy’s finest, noting their similarity to Barolo in both production methods and flavor.

The Aglianico grape variety was introduced to the Italian peninsula by the Greeks; its name likely derives from “Hellenico.” The Romans adopted it in certain parts of the Empire and notably developed its cultivation at the foot of Mount Vulture. The vineyards stretch across the slopes of this extinct volcano up to an altitude of 760 meters, producing a robust wine with a beautiful ruby color. The appellation’s regulations require at least five years of aging to produce an “Aglianico di Vulture Vecchio” and an additional three years of aging to produce an “Aglianico di Vulture Riserva.” The region produces great wines for aging—refined, complex, and well-structured—such as those offered by Domaine Elena Fucci.