Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture Gricos 2021

Grifalco is a renowned winery located in the Vulture region of Basilicata, southern Italy. It specializes in the production of wines from the Aglianico del Vulture variety. The winery was founded in 2004 by Fabrizio and Cecilia Piccin. They brought over 20 years of winemaking experience from Tuscany to Basilicata and recognized the potential of the region's volcanic soils for producing high-quality wines. Grifalco's vineyards are planted on the slopes of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano that contributes to the rich, mineral-laden soils. The winery cultivates its vineyards organically, following sustainable agricultural practices. The focus is on expressing the unique terroir of the Vulture region through its Aglianico grapes, known for producing structured, age-worthy wines with bold tannins and vibrant acidity.

The winery produces four main wines: Gricos, Grifalco, and two single-vineyard bottlings, DaMaschito and DaGinestra. Gricos, the entry-level wine, showcases fresh red fruit and minerality, while Grifalco is considered the flagship wine, offering more depth and complexity. The single-vineyard wines are distinguished by their intense expression of terroir, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its respective vineyard. Grifalco's wines are known for their balance of power and elegance, with an aging potential of up to 10 years or more. The winery has gained recognition both in Italy and internationally for its dedication to showcasing the potential of Aglianico del Vulture.

Basilicata is in Southern Italy, surrounded by ancient villages, green rolling hills, and views of the Ionian Sea. Basilicata is bounded by Campania to the west, Calabria to the south, and Puglia to the north and east. Basilicata is one of Italy's smallest and least renowned regions, although in recent years, its second-biggest city, Matera, has become a sought-after tourist destination.

When the Greeks and Romans settled in Basilicata around the 6th century B.C., they named it Lucania, after a tribe who lived there before they did, called the Lucani. Throughout history, the region has been controlled by the Dukes of Benevento, the princes of Salerno, who were under Byzantine control, and finally by the Normans. The region was incorporated during the unification of Italy in 1861. Despite the process of political unification, which came with some homogenization, Basilicata retained customs and traditions that go back to the Paleolithic period.

There are only two provinces in Basilicata; Matera, and Potenza (the capital). Matera has had a fascinating evolution, going from being the hotbed of an ancient civilization to a devastatingly impoverished area and finally becoming one of southern Italy's best tourist attractions. In Basilicata, winemaking dates back over a thousand years, beginning with the settlement of the Greeks. The region is full of mountains, hills, and an extinct volcano - the Vulture Mastif - making Basilicata's terroir one of the most varied, albeit relatively unexplored.

The Terroir of Basilicata

Small but mighty, Basilicata consists of a whopping 47percent mountains and 45 percent hills. Mount Vulture is an extinct volcano that rests in the northern area of the region. Basilicata's vineyards thrive on Mount Vulture's volcanic soils, which helps the local grapes form robust tannins and good acidity.

The Mediterranean drafts from the Adriatic and Puglia sweep through Basilicata, mitigating hot southern summers. The Apennines protect the vines from currents from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

One of the native red grapes from the area, Aglianico, is the "star" of the region - wines made from it are also called Aglianico, the "Barolo of the South." Aglianico vines flourish in the volcanic soils and cool Mediterranean breezes and have a long ripening process.

Basilicata is home to 4 DOCs and 1 DOCG; the remaining wines produced are sold as IGT titles. Basilicata pumps out less than 50 million liters of wine annually, a small production of high-quality wine.

The White Grapes of Basilicata

Malvasia - The grape is said to be of Greek origin; the Greeks settled in Basilicata thousands of years ago. The region is best known for producing Malvasia Bianca, which can make dry, sweet, or sparkling whites. Tasting notes include peaches, apricots, and white currants. Malvasia Bianca is grown in all 4 DOC’s; Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri DOC, Matera DOC, Aglianico del Vulture DOC (Mount Vulture region), and Grottino di Roccanova DOC.

The Red Grapes of Basilicata

Agliancio - Aglianico del Vulture originates from the Potenza province in the town of Rionero in Vulture, characterized by mineral-heavy, volcanic soils. After decades of neglect, Aglianico del Vulture has become one of Italy's most interesting wines. When young, Aglianico boasts tasting notes of dark fruits, cracked pepper, and leather; when aged, Aglianico displays notes of dried figs, tobacco, and worn leather. Aglianico is a full-bodied, high-tannin, high-acidity red wine.

The Cuisine of Basilicata

Basilicata is acknowledged for its rich agricultural land and culinary traditions. Beans, vegetables, wheat, peppers, and olives are all found in abundance throughout this region, heavily influencing the local dishes.

To warm up their taste buds, locals in Basilicata like to make a dish called Acqua e Sale (al pomodoro). This is a delicate bruschetta served with local tomatoes, garlic, oil, and, sometimes, purple onions. Since a sliver of the Ionian Sea is so close, the natives enjoy fresh anchovies, tuna, and sardines, which they buy straight from fishing boats.

Orecchiette alla Potentina is a typical Sunday dish native to the province of Potenza. The dish comprises orecchiette ("small ear" pasta shape), pork meatballs, and local mozzarella. Flocks of sheep run wild in local farms throughout Basilicata, making the region's cheese culture remarkable. Some of the best include Pecorino di Filiano, Caciocavallo Podolico, Canestrato di Moliterno DOP, and Cacioricotta.

Mostacciolo is one of Basilicata's most treasured sweets. It's made with cooked wine, almonds, flour, and honey.