Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco 2013 Review

The Basilicata region is not one of the most famous in Italy.

However, that does not mean its history doesn’t extend back for thousands of years. This region has been shaped by influences from all over Europe, meaning the wines produced there are some of the most interesting that Italy has to offer.

Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco is a perfect example.

Created by the Basilisco wine company, this stunning Italian red wine is a perfect addition to your collection. It’s ideal for dinner parties or just for enjoying during those lazy evenings when you just want to curl up with a good book and a nice glass of wine.

We’re going to take a closer look at the 2013 vintage of Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco in this article. But first, let’s learn more about the region that birthed the wine and the company that made it.

The History

We mentioned earlier that the Basilicata region had strong influences dating back thousands of years.

These influences started with the ancient Greeks. This great civilization was one of the first to truly cultivate the land that Basilicata now stands on. The Greeks cultivated trees, many of which still stand to this day. But it was the vine that truly stood out. The Aglianico grape began to reach prominence during this era, with the grape being of such high quality that it is still the one that most identifies with the region.

It also happens to be the grape used to make Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco!

The region itself is a stunning mix of hills, mountainous locations, and vast plains. However, the standout location is the Vulture Hills, which feature volcanic soil that lends the grapes grown there certain mineral qualities that most others cannot emulate. These rich soils already boast a high plant density, making Basilicata the ideal location for growing huge clusters of Aglianico.

However, Basilicata is not an easy region for winemaking.

The region experiences short summers and often has harsh winters, meaning only the strongest vines can survive. However, those that do produce grapes of exceptional power and character. It is these grapes that go into the Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco and similar products from the region. These conditions also lend the region the honour of producing the lowest grape yield in Italy, coming in at just five tons per hectare. Still, anybody who knows Italian wine will tell you that lower yields typically lead to higher quality.

And that talk of quality brings us nicely to Basilisco.

Founded in the early 1990s, quality has always been the goal for this wonderful wine company. After recognising the potential in the age-old grapes grown in the Basilicata region, the geniuses behind this company began cultivating vineyards in the region. It wasn’t long before their focus on quality shone through, with Basilisco soon becoming one of the pearls of southern Italian wine production. It seems that every product the producer creates offers exceptional quality that keeps people coming back for more.

The 1990s and 2000s saw exceptional growth for the company.

But its true value was revealed in 2011.

That’s when southern Italy’s leading winery, Feudi di San Gregorio, came calling. Feudi has already established a presence in the region before it took an interest in Basilisco. But it was in 2011 that Feudi began a far-reaching project in which it aimed to lay claim to the ancient tuff stone caves that are dotted throughout the Basilicata region. These caves contribute greatly to the viticultural history of the region and Basilisco was a prime target for Feudi.

Why?

Basilisco maintained stunning tuff stone wine cellars.

Combine that with vineyards that were perfectly located to take advantage of the volcanic soil the region is known for and you had a pairing that led to Feudi lavishing massive investment into the company.

Wisely, Feudi allowed Basilisco to continue operating as it always had.

The brilliant Viviana Malafarina continued to operate as the heart and soul of the company. The passion she brings to her land and the wines it produces shines through in every product the company offers. Combine her managerial and cellar acumen with the vineyard expertise of Pierpaolo Sirch and you have a duo that has led Basilisco to prominence and will continue leading it through a brave new future where it stands apart from all others using the famous Aglianico grape.

With that being said, it’s time to take a closer look at the company’s hard work. With the Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco 2013, Basilisco may have created its finest Italian red wine ever.

The Review

Capable of ageing for between 15 and 25 years, the Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco 2013 is best experienced after two hours of decanting. Ideally served at between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, this is an Italian red wine that is best experienced when there is a little warmth to it.

The deep purple highlights seem to float around the ruby red wine, offering hints at its ageing potential while colouring the metaphorical canvas of your glass.

Bring the wine to the nose and you’ll be awash in a complex bouquet filled with interesting notes. The balsamic aroma that the wine is known for stems from the volcanic soil used to grow the grapes. Work your way past that initial scent and you’ll find fruitier notes of plums, cherries, and blackberries, which combine to give the wine a deep aroma that can’t help but draw you in.

Finally, the first sip comes.

Elegance is the key word here.

Basilisco Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco 2013 has a quality that is undeniable. The fruity aromas combine perfectly on the tongue, leading to a long and textured finish that you’ll want to explore for hours.

The strength and complexity of the wine mean it’s best paired with meats, such as pork, and mature cheeses. For us, this is one of the best Italian red wines available today, which is why our team has given it a stellar rating of 95/10. Find it today for less than €30 in the Xtrawine collection.