Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC - Cantina di Venosa

Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC - Cantina di Venosa presents a deep ruby-red colour in the glass, with an almost inky core and purple reflections at the rim. The nose unfolds as a complex bouquet of juicy red berries, ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries, interwoven with spicy notes of pepper, liquorice, cedarwood and a hint of dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is powerful and dense, with concentrated fruit, subtle toasted nuances and a long, mineral-driven finish reminiscent of warm lava stones and damp earth. The texture is weighty yet polished, supported by prominent, ripe tannins and a lively, precise acidity that lends the wine tension and elegance.

This red wine is made from the indigenous Aglianico grape variety, grown in the renowned Aglianico del Vulture DOC subregion of Basilicata. The combination of cooler elevations, marked temperature differences between day and night, and sparse volcanic-rock soils gives the wine its characteristic depth and distinctive personality. The mature vines produce low yields, but deliver high concentration and aromatic complexity. The result in the glass is a characterful yet finely nuanced red wine with impressive length.

• Type of wine: dry red wine, single-varietal Aglianico
• Origin: Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture DOC, Italy
• Colour: intense ruby red with a dark core
• Aromas: red berries, blackcurrants, dark cherries, herbs, spices
• Structure: dense, weighty, mineral finish
• Ageing: 9 months in stainless-steel tanks and small wooden casks
• Alcohol content: 14.0% vol.
• Bottle size: 0.75 l, classic Bordeaux bottle

1. Intense nose with fruit and spice
2. Powerful, structured palate with ripe tannins
3. Long, mineral-driven finish
4. Age for many years to develop increasing complexity

Production of Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC

The grapes for Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC - Cantina di Venosa come from selected vineyards around the extinct Monte Vulture volcano in Basilicata. The climate displays Mediterranean influences with warm summers, while the elevation brings noticeably cooler nights. These temperature differences encourage slow and even ripening, allowing aromatic diversity and freshness to develop. The volcanic-rock, tuff and basalt soils store warmth during the day and release it gently at night, while their sparse structure requires the vines to develop deep roots and concentrated grapes.

The grapes are harvested selectively, with a focus on optimally ripe berries. The fruit is transported promptly to the Cantina di Venosa winery to preserve freshness and varietal character. After destemming and gentle crushing, temperature-controlled maceration and fermentation follow, with regular pump-overs and, where appropriate, careful délestage ensuring the best possible extraction of colour, tannin and aromas. This creates the characteristic deep ruby-red colour and the dense, multilayered structure on the palate.

The wine then matures for a total of 9 months in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and small wooden casks. Ageing in stainless steel preserves the clear fruit and lively acidity, while time in wood adds depth, subtle toasted aromas and delicate notes of vanilla and spice. The use of wood is deliberately restrained so that the Aglianico grape variety and its volcanic origins remain at the forefront. After the maturation phase, the wine rests in the bottle, allowing the tannins to soften and the individual components to blend harmoniously.

The winemaking style at Cantina di Venosa combines traditional craftsmanship with modern cellar technology. The aim is an authentic expression of the Aglianico del Vulture terroir that displays both power and elegance. Vines from old vineyards provide concentrated grapes, while the carefully calibrated ageing process brings tension, finesse and longevity. The result is a red wine that impressively reflects its volcanic origins while also appealing emotionally to discerning wine lovers.

Serving recommendations for Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC - Cantina di Venosa

This Aglianico is an ideal accompaniment to dark, robust dishes. Served with braised beef cheeks, oven-roasted leg of lamb or game ragout, the wine reveals its full depth. Mature hard cheese, spicy salami from southern Italy and truffle pasta also harmonise perfectly with its powerful structure and spicy notes. Lighter yet hearty dishes such as veal roast with an herb crust, oven-roasted poultry or a rich lasagne gain an intriguing counterpoint from the pronounced tannic structure and dark fruit.

• Perfect with braised dishes made from beef, lamb or game
• Excellent with mature hard cheese and spicy sausage specialities
• A harmonious match for pasta with rich sauces and oven-baked dishes

Il Cielo sul Vulcano Vigne Vecchie Aglianico del Vulture DOC - Cantina di Venosa is a fitting companion for festive occasions as well as intimate moments of indulgence. At special dinner evenings, birthday celebrations or elegant multi-course meals, this red wine leaves a lasting impression. An evening by the fireplace with a fine selection of cheeses, chosen cured meats and some dark chocolate takes on an impressive Mediterranean character with this wine.

The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius in a generous red wine glass, allowing the bouquet and structure to unfold fully. Careful decanting before serving is helpful, especially with younger vintages, allowing the wine to breathe and its aromas to open up. In a well-tempered, dark wine cellar with a stable climate, this red wine can mature for many years, developing additional complexity, delicate ageing aromas and even finer tannins. The result is a distinctive tasting experience that brings the wine’s volcanic origins impressively into the glass.

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