Basilicata, a taste of history

A small region, rich in forests, streams and mountains, with only one large plain, that of Metapontum, which flows directly into the Ionian Sea. In the north-western area, overlooking the small lakes of Monticchio, the thousand-year-old, dormant Vulture volcano still reigns. The area is known for the production of mineral waters and for the Aglianico grape, which gives rise to one of the greatest red wines in Italy, as well as the most important wine of Basilicata, the Aglianico del Vulture.

Basilicata holds a treasure chest that has attracted international attention: Matera. A Unesco-protected village, European Capital of Culture for 2019 and known worldwide for its "sassi";

The Sassi of Matera define two districts: Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, formed by buildings and rock architecture carved into the rock of the Murgia materana. Together with the Civita area (built on the spur that separates the two Sassi), they form the historical centre of Matera. In 1993, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Matera is a remarkable city. Fascinating and every corner worth visiting. The Murgia Timone belvedere, the panoramic terrace on which some scenes of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion" were filmed, is striking. Equally enchanting are the streets that lead into the Sassi and give insight into the daily life of the people of Matera. The route has to end at Sasso Caveoso, the oldest and most moving part of the entire city.

Another beautiful area of Basilicata is the Vulture Melfese, rich in ancient Frederican castles that open up to fairytale images. The castles of Melfi, Lagopesole, Pirro del Balzo in Venosa, and Malconsiglio in Miglionico are famous.

Basilicata wine region is becoming increasingly popular and has attracted international attention thanks to its unique products. We can divide it into three wine-growing areas: the Vulture, with some branches in the Upper Bradano, the Val d 'Agri and the Materano, with the hilly slopes that slope down towards the Ionian Sea.

Aglianico del Vulture is the main grape variety in Basilicata and covers more than 60% of the area under vines; impenetrable ruby red in colour, the nose offers hints of ripe red fruit and morello cherry, cherries under spirits and spices such as liquorice, cloves, black pepper and toasted notes after a spell in barriques, although many producers prefer to use large barrels. A wine with great tannins and longevity. Also excellent as a sparkling wine base. The DOC Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri and Grottino di Roccanova based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Montepulciano provide wines that reflect the Lucania region, rich in structure, with hints of red fruits, spices and liquorice. Thanks to its warm and dry climate, the Primitivo, provides powerful red wines with pleasant aromas of raspberry, currant, white pepper and balsamic notes, as well as elegant tannins, especially when blended with Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon. Vineyards sloping towards the Ionian Sea define the territory of the DOC Matera which is mainly based onSangiovese, Primitivo, Merlot, Greco and Basilicata White Malvasia grape varieties. Worthy of note is the Matera Greco (Matera DOC), the only white wine with a designation of origin in the region, with delicate aromas of flowers and white peaches and a distinct flavour.;

Basilicata is a land rich in flavours. Honey, oil, chestnuts, cured meats and many cheeses that, when combined with wine, offer endless culinary emotions;

Lucanian cuisine is characterised by its simplicity and authenticity linked to a simple peasant tradition.
In fact, preparations based on wheat flour such as pasta, bread and focaccia with extra virgin olive oil but also the same grains and legumes (wheat, barley, chickpeas etc.) cooked in terracotta pots on the live embers of the fireplace prevail. Traditional and of high quality, the production of cheeses, especially medium (cow's milk caciocavalli) and medium-long seasoning (pecorino cheese), and the production of sausages such as local pork sausage that is consumed both fresh, but above all seasoned.
Traditional peasant desserts from Basilicata are essentially dry pastries based on flour, almonds, eggs, butter and chestnuts.

Fusilli alla vecchia Maratea

An iconic dish in the authentic tradition of Basilicata in which the crusco pepper, typical of Lucanian cuisine, becomes basic. Senise pepper PGI is a pepper that lends itself very well to drying; with an intense red colour and a sweet flavour, once dried it becomes "crispy", i.e. crunch, is dipped in hot oil for a few seconds.