Map of Vulture region. Maschito is the town where our producer Musto Carmelitano is located
(Map by Mario Nenno)
Just posted by Luciano Pignataro on his own blog: the excellent news that the Aglianico del Vulture appellation will be given DOCG status.
As he reports, the DOCG designation will require Riserva wines to be held for five years before market release.
The current DOC appellation will of course continue to be used for high-quality wines of perhaps lesser longevity.
The Basilicata IGT's will be given to wines that fall outside of disciplinare rules.
Let me quote Luciano directly at the end of his writeup:
Experience shows that it isn't the appellation on the label that determines a wine's success, but it certainly helps shape its identity, which is what's happened with the three DOCGs of Irpinia [in Campania].
In our judgment, Aglianico del Vulture absolutely needs this recognition to hoist itself to the level of Taurasi and become a standard-bearer in the South for the lovers of wine red.
+++++
Domenico Selections is fortunate enough to bring a really wonderful pair of Aglianici del Vulture to this country, made by Betty Musto Carmelitano. I imagine that DOCG status will encourage her to hold back at least some of her production as Riserva -- the wine in question being her present-day Pian del Moro, which is made in part from the sparse, concentrated fruit of 90+ year old wines. The 2007 Pian del Moro is on the market, and I'm sure Betty released it so soon for practical reasons, like cashflow. Most small producers simply cannot afford to let their vintages sit.
I can't wait to taste the Pian del Moro when it reaches the age of five.
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