Producer Guide: Cantine del Notaio (Basilicata, Italy)

For many years Cantine del Notaio has been the go to name for outstanding red wines in Basilicata. Today their wines are every bit as good and it is testament to the progress of other wineries and small growers in the region that wine consumers now have a far wider choice when searching out Aglianico del Vulture.

Based in the village of Rionero-in-Vulture, the company is now enjoying the freedom of a brand new winery on the edge of the village. Prior to this, owner Gerrardo Giuraboccheti matured his wines exclusively underground in very old cellars that run under the centre of the village. These natural caves cut into the tuffo rock are cool and damp and perfect for the long term ageing of Aglianico. The caves are still used today and can also be found in neighbouring vilalges.

The Notaio vineyards include various plots spread out around the classic villages of the denomination. Some are in Barile and some in Venosa.

The key wines are Il Sigilo and La Firma, both of which are robust but elegant expressions of Aglianico.

Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Il Repertorio' 2009 by Cantine del Notaio A nose of dark cherry, chocolate and spice leads nicely into a full bodied and complex winter red brimming with rusticity and earthy charm. Lots of black fruit with hints of coffee and leather. Drinking very well now.

Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'La Firma' 2009 by Cantine del Notaio Distinctive aromas of bitter cherry on the nose complemented by nuances of balsam, herbaceous fenugreek and chocolate. The palate is rich and hedonistic, more bitter cherry and flashes of liquorice follow. An austere but compelling streak of acidity holds it all together while the finish is long, elegant and considering the weight of this wine, decidedly delicate.

Aglianico del Vulture DOC 'Il Sigilo' 2009 by Cantine del Notaio