Vulture is an extinct volcano in the north of Basilicata, and on its flanks, in the province of Potenza, Aglianico grows on tuff and lapilli between 200 and 700 metres. The appellation, recognised in 1971, covers fifteen municipalities including Rionero in Vulture, Barile, Ripacandida, Venosa and Melfi. It is the only DOC in the region devoted to this variety and its most important appellation.
The regulations call for pure Aglianico. The DOC version is released after about a year of ageing; since 2010 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore, with at least three years of ageing, and its Riserva, with five, have formed a separate DOCG. Minimum alcohol is 12.5 degrees. A sparkling version is also provided for.
The volcanic soil and altitude give an Aglianico different from the Campanian one: deep ruby colour, aromas of plum, violet, liquorice and mineral notes, tight tannins that soften with age. It calls for Lucanian cooking of meats, sausages, peperoni cruschi and pecorino cheeses.
