Basilicata is located in southern Italy. Its southwest touches the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the southeast meets the Ionian Sea. It is a rugged land, dominated by Mount Vulture, an ancient extinct volcano whose eruptions over the millennia have left behind a variety of volcanic soils. It is hot and very dry in summer, but the temperature drops considerably at night. Winters are cold, with regular snow in January and February. Aglianico del Vulture is the dominant grape, as rugged as the landscape itself, tannic and harsh when young, complex, full-bodied, and more generous with age. Ruggiero Potito grew up here, and fell in love with the grape as a teen. He shifted his family’s focus from their ancient mulberry trees (Gelsi) whose leaves fed silkworms to the 10 hectares of vineyards they grew on the slopes of Mount Vulture. Tenuta I Gelsi as a commercial venture was born in 2003.

Vines are 20 years old, not densely planted (only about 3600 vines/hectare), and grow at 450 meters above sea level on volcanic ash and chalky soil. Manual harvest takes place during the last week of October. Grapes are destemmed, macerated for 12 hours, pressed, and the must is inoculated. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 16°C (typical of white wine fermentation), and the wine ages four months on the fine lees with stirring. Aglianico’s inherently deep color and the extended lees contact combine to produce a very dark wine.

TASTING NOTES

This is a very aromatic wine, offering fresh cherry, raspberry, tar, and rose notes. The palate is tart, and there’s even a touch of tannin. Fruit is red, joined by a stony, savory quality. Acidity is there and working, but it’s not sharp. This wine keeps blooming in the glass, so give it time to breathe. It has medium body and a longer finish.

FOOD PAIRING

Rose is very food-friendly so this wine can be enjoyed with many dishes. Lovely aperitif, but it’s big enough to pair with a wide variety of foods, particularly those off the grill.

Brunch Foods, Charcuterie, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, East Asian (Chinese/Japanese/Korean), Fish (white), Ham, Hors d'oeuvres, Indian Food, Just for Cocktailing, Mexican, Perfect Aperitif , Pork, Roasted Root Vegetables, Spicy Food, Tapas, Thai or Vietnamese, Vegetables