Donato D'Angelo"Calice" Aglianico del Vulture 2022

Donato D'Angelo is unarguably the most important name in Aglianico del Vulture — the man who single-handedly revived the appellation and put Basilicata on the fine wine map. Born in 1953 in Rionero in Vulture, Donato studied viticulture and oenology in Conegliano Veneto before returning home to transform his family's bulk wine business into one of southern Italy's most celebrated estates. He was among the first to use oak in southern Italy and the first ever to export Basilicata wine to America. After a bitter family dispute forced him out of the original winery, Donato founded his own estate in 2001, now run by his three daughters Erminia, Alessandra, and Emiliana.

About This Wine

The Calice is a classic Aglianico del Vulture — made from the grape that some call the Nebbiolo of the south. Ten-day macerations in concrete tanks followed by 18 months in large casks produce a wine of real depth and complexity: mineral, aromatic, and continuously evolving in the glass. A wine that rewards patience and pairs beautifully with food.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep ruby with garnet hints
Nose: Rose, cherry, red plum, raspberry, red flowers, and a light dusting of cocoa powder with minerality
Palate: Old spice flavours beautifully supported by mouth-coating tannins; evolves continuously in the glass
Finish: Long and strong with lingering dark fruit and mineral depth

Food Pairing

Excellent with red meats, game, grilled meats, and hearty southern Italian dishes. A natural partner for lamb and slow-cooked beef.

Details

Grape: Aglianico
Region: Basilicata, Italy
Farming: Traditional
Style: Fuller Flavour Red
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle: 75cl
Drink: In the next 5 years