Indigena Tasting Day 2 Afternoon:
Aglianico del Vulture and Basilicata
The afternoon of the second day of the Indigena World Tour in NYC focused on
the wines of Basilicata, mostly Aglianico del Vulture.
In fact, 14 of the 15 wines tasted were Aglianico del Vulture.
The last one was Primitivo (aka Zinfandel).
Aglianico del Vulture was established as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in 1971.
In 2010, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) categories of
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore and Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva were added
in an attempt to improve the quality and reputation of these wines.
We only tasted two Aglianico del Vulture Superiore (and no Riserva).
One of these was among the top 3 or 4 wines of the afternoon.
The other was quite far from that.
This afternoon was the first time that there were representatives of the wineries present.
In some cases, it was the winemaker or owner. In others it was the US importer or sales rep.
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which may contain additional image.
Basilicata Flight One: Aglianico del Vulture
There were eight wines in Flight One. All of them from the Aglianico del Vulture DOC.
2016 Elena Fucci Aglianico del Vulture Titolo -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
Huge nose of blackberries, caraway seeds, and anise.
Expansive, ripe, complex black and red fruit. Long delicious finish.
So much fruit! But there is plenty of tannin and structure underneath.
Wow! This wine spent 12 months in new French oak barriques, yet shows no sign of it.
(94 points)
2015 Vitis In Vulture Aglianico del Vulture Forentum -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
[Vitis In Vulture is Cooperative with 20 members.]
More spice, less fruit in nose. Very tannic. Very hard to judge at this stage.
Potentially 87 points.
2014 Bisceglia Aglianico del Vulture Gudarrą -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
Spicy red fruit nose with a hint of grapefruit. Quite tasty.
Can I get a slice of pizza, please? (90 points)
2013 Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmo -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
Floral nose of red and black fruits. A delicious wine that I would happily drink
with dinner tonight. (91 points)
Basilicata Flight Two: Aglianico del Vulture & a Primitivo
2013 Cantina di Venosa Aglianico del Vulture Terre di Orazio -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
Dirty nose. Some fruit, but too much chocolate dirt in the mouth.
Dirty barrels? Apparently this is the biggest co-op in the region. Judgement reserved.
2013 Terra Dei Re Aglianico del Vulture Nocte -
Italy, Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture
Complex nose of dark fruit and herbs. Long, delicious, complex, expansive.
A real winner. (93 points)
2013 Cantine Cifarelli Primitivo Matera Primitivo di San Vito In Vino Veritas -
Italy, Basilicata, Matera DOC
[Matera DOC started in 2005. Within this, Matera Primitivo must contain at least 90% Primitivo,
aka Zinfandel.]
A hint of anise in black fruit nose. Long juicy blackberry and chocolate finish.
If I tasted this blind, I would guess that it is a Bedrock Heritage Zin blend.
(92 points)
People Pix
This afternoon was the first time that there were representatives of the wineries present.
In some cases, it was the winemaker or owner. In others it was the US importer or sales rep.
Looking around the room:
The winemakers and their reps were seated at the far table,
though some stood in the back:
