Vulture Wine Region

The Vulture wine region is exclusively an Aglianico grape-growing region and is considered one of the best red wine-producing regions in Italy. The region has over 2500 years of history of winemaking. The wines from the region are outstanding, however, the region is very less known across the wine community. The landscape is unique and beautiful with seven peaks forming a semi-circle wall around two lakes. The region is named after Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano that is a major peak of the region. Winemaking has evolved along the different periods, the region recently has started using French Oak barrels for aging instead of large chestnut casks. 

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Where is the Vulture wine region?

The vulture wine region is a sub-region of the Basilicata wine region and is located on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vulture that extend to the plateau of Venosa. The region is in the southern part of Italy at the foothills of Mont Vulture. The region is bounded by Apulia from the east and is just 130km west of the city of Bari. The region is 77km south of Foggia, 180km east of Naples, 81km from the coast of the Adriatic sea, and 120km from the Tyrrhenian sea. The region encompasses communes of Rionero in Vulture, Barile, Rapolla, Ripacandida, Ginestra, Maschito, Forenza, Acerenza, Melfi, Atella, Venosa, Lavello, Palazzo San Gervasio, Banzi, Genzano di Lucania. Rionero is the major town center of this amazing wine region. 

History of the Vulture wine region

Viticulture in the Vulture wine area dates back to the 6th century BC when the Greeks introduced it. The Rionero in Vulture still possesses an antique Roman wine press. Horace, the famous Roman poet in Venosa, mentions the wines of the Vulture wine area in ancient literature. It is supposed that Hannibal soldiers traveled to Lucania around 212 BC to heal with Vulture wines. During the 13th century, the wine business developed and was forcefully fostered by Swabian Emperor Fredrick II. The Vulture wine area was established in 1971 and was awarded DOCG designation in 2011.

The terroir and geography of the Vulture wine region

The soil varies across the region and is noticeable when you move from the slopes of Mount Vulture to the plains of Venosa. The soil near the extinct volcano is volcanic soil that is rich in minerals and some of the best vineyards in the region are here. The grapes benefit from the diurnal temperature allowing them to evenly ripen. The soil at the plateau of Verosa is mostly calcareous clay. The plateau is quite hot and broader than the slopes surrounding it. Vines are planted between 450-600 meters above sea level. Yields are kept low and the vine growers focus more on concentrated grapes. 

Popular grape varieties from the Vulture wine region

The Vulture wine region is made almost entirely of Aglianico grapes. Grapes are well-balanced in terms of acidity, sugars, and tannins. Because of the region's distinct temperature and terroir, grapes ripen slowly and uniformly. It has a late harvest season that lasts until the first week of November, making it one of the last non-dessert wine grapes to be harvested.

Food to pair with Vulture wine 

Beef steak

Beef steak is a type of meat that is cut from the muscles of a cow. It can be cooked in many ways, and it is usually served with a sauce or gravy. The quality of the beef steak is determined by many factors, including the age and sex of the animal, its diet, and how it was slaughtered. Beef steak is one of the most popular types of meat consumed in the United States. Beef steak topped out at around 50% of all beef consumption in 2013. The top five countries that export beef in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Pair it with the red wines from the Vulture wine region. 

Roasted lamb 

Roasted lamb is a dish that is cooked in the oven. The meat is usually roasted at high temperatures for a long time. The cooking process can take up to two hours. The dish is popular around the world, but it originated in the Middle East and North Africa. It was first made by roasting the whole sheep over an open fire. Roasted lamb has many different variations, but the most common ingredients used in this dish are garlic and rosemary. These are often added to enhance the flavor of the meat and give it a more tender texture. Some people like to add lemon juice, which helps balance out any gamey taste that may come from cooking with lamb’s natural fat content. Roasted lamb is often served with side dishes such as potatoes, rice, or couscous for extra flavor and texture variety

Duck breast

Duck breast is a tender, lean, and flavorful meat that's surprisingly easy to cook. Duck breast is a type of meat that comes from the breast section of the bird. Duck breasts can be prepared in a variety of different ways. It can be cooked whole and served as a roast duck with stuffing and gravy, or it can be cut into pieces and made into duck breasts with vegetables, fruit, and other ingredients. This dish is often served as an appetizer before dinner or as a main course at dinner parties.

Places to visit in the Vulture wine region

Sassi di Matera

Sassi di Matera has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and is regarded as one of Europe's most unique landscapes. The village is said to be Italy's first human settlement, with evidence reaching back to 7000 BC. Sassi is dwellings carved into the Calcarentic rock that is distinctive of Basilicata and Apulia. The entire town was built on the slope of the Gravina river's valley. Visually, the town is reminiscent of ancient landmarks in and around Jerusalem.

Craco

Craco is an abandoned settlement in Matera province that has been designated as a ghost town. Craco was founded in the eighth century on a cliff 400 meters above sea level. The vista from this ruined city is breathtaking, with panoramic views that you will never forget. The settlement was abandoned at the end of the twentieth century due to the cliff's susceptibility to landslides and earthquakes. The town's homes, monuments, and caves exhibit medieval architecture over the years. The castle perched atop the cliff dates from 1300.

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Frequently asked questions about Vulture