REGION Basilicata

If Basilicata’s Aglianico del Vulture DOC is today emerging as one of Italy’s winemaking areas of greatest potential, much of the credit must go to Donato D’Angelo. D’Angelo was instrumental in garnering international recognition for the wine through his determination to have serious consumers recognize Aglianico as one of Italy’s most important varieties. Donato began producing wines in Rionero in 1973, after he and his brother Lucio inherited the D’Angelo cantina from their father, Rocco. With growing sites positioned in the town of Rionero, high on the slopes of Mount Vulture, D’Angelo was inspired by his unique location. He set about making the best wine he could out of a grape variety in which he truly believed: Aglianico. Having recently graduated from the prestigious Scuola Enologica of Conegliano in Veneto he was also compelled to introduce international varieties to the region, as well as French-oak barrique aging. Success and recognition soon followed, and for over a generation D’Angelo has been widely considered one of the key figures in Italian winemaking. His innovation has resulted in Aglianico now being regarded as Southern Italy’s best answer to Sangiovese or Nebbiolo; judging by his latest vintages, Donato D’Angelo remains an expert in creating the finest possible expression of Basilicata’s richest grape.

WEBSITEdangelowine.com

WINES
Sacravite 2008
Aglianico del Vulture 2007
Aglianico del Vulture Riserva Caselle 2004
Aglianico Canneto 2008
Aglianico del Vulture Valle del Noce 2004