Wine tours in Basilicata

In Basilicata, where many different historical influences have left their mark, viticulture has age-old origins, with Aglianico playing a leading role. Likely introduced by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, this grape variety, with a history stretching back thousands of years, finds its ideal habitat in Venosa. Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Venosa is a municipality in the province of Potenza that is the birthplace of the Roman poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus. The unique qualities of this land, rich in clay and minerals, give rise to the most famous Lucanian wine, Aglianico del Vulture DOC, with its enveloping and pleasantly spicy flavour, and even more exquisite in the Superiore and Riserva DOCG versions.

After a pleasant tasting session, you can't miss a visit to the National Archaeological Museum housed in Pirro del Balzo castle, built in the fifteenth century in the city's historic centre. Leaving Venosa, we move to nearby Barile ,with its characteristic wine cellars excated in the tuff. Along the way, a majestic mountain will catch your eye: it is Mount Vulture, an ancient volcano now extinct, and now a protected natural area with dense beech and coniferous forests.

The journey through the beauties and flavours of Lucania continues on to Val d'Agri and to Viggiano, an enchanted village dominated by the remains of an ancient castle, immersed in an area that winds through valleys and hills.

The

Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri DOC

is well worth trying. It is made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which, although not native grapes, express their aromas to the fullest in this terroir. From one oenological excellence to another, enjoy a glass of Grottino di Roccanova DOC aged in sandstone caves from the 1700s. The wine tradition of Roccanova boasts very ancient origins, as evidenced by the ancient containers used wine, exhibited at the Sibaritide Museum in Policoro. Continuing our fascinating journey through the Lucanian dolomites and villages suspended in time, we reach the Ionian coast at Nova Siri, where expanses of citrus groves and olive groves dominate the landscape, and our eyes are drawn towards beaches with turquoise waters.

A stop in Matera is certainly a must. In the city of stones and good wine, we cannot end our trip without tasting a good Matera DOC. Red, white, sparkling or reserve. This denomination also has two surprising single-varietal types: Matera Greco DOC and Matera Primitivo DOC. Primitivo dominates the hills of Matera, particularly Metaponto, which was one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia, with its ruby-garnet colour and harmonious, velvety taste. A visit to the National Archaeological Museum will give you an insight into the many facets of an ancient culture whose influence has shaped these territories and their varied food and wine tradition.

It's the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the vineyards to discover the history and wines of Basilicata, amid postcard landscapes and the flavours of good food, and the warm welcome from the Movimento Turismo del Vino wineries.

For cellar tours and routes, go to www.movimentoturismovinolive.it