Cantina Re Manfredi: Vulture, Aglianico and the grape varieties of the north

Diamond prospectors say that the most beautiful stone is the one that has yet to be found. The Basilicata region and our winery, Cantina Re Manfredi Terre degli Svevi, can undoubtedly be defined in a similar way.

Imagine a genuine territory, where nature still reigns and has not entirely succumbed its pace to man. This discreet territory surprises us with its rare beauty and unspoiled atmosphere, far from the limelight, and its important past and history, traces of which can still be discovered.

THE SWABIANS AND RE MANFREDI: success and culture

Our winery is situated in Venosa, a town that has played a key role throughout history due to its privileged position. Two thousand years ago, it was a bustling Roman colony on the Via Appia, the most renowned and strategic Roman road for the economy, connecting the capital of the Roman Empire to the port of Brindisi and the precious Mediterranean Sea. It was the birthplace of the Latin poet Horace and of King Manfred, the son of Frederick II of Swabia, who made the south of Italy an established cultural centre, bringing great artistic and architectural upheaval. Evidence of this can be found in the Castello di Venosa (Venosa Castle) and the many ruins of stunning buildings that can still be visited by tourists today.

THE VULTURE VOLCANO: extreme territory

Today, this area in north-east Basilicata is flourishing once again and has become popular thanks to the extraordinary wines it produces.
This extreme place is nestled in the deep south between Apulia and Campania, a mainly mountainous and hilly area, with a climate that alternates between tropical heat and continental winters. It is the ideal territory for Aglianico, the historic red grape variety of these lands on the slopes of the Vulture volcano, which, 1330 metres high, dominates and influences vine growing conditions. Its lava has helped to create rich soils and a unique terroir, reflected in its intense, earthy and tangy wines.
It is extraordinarily bright, with an almost lunar landscape featuring lush dazzling green vegetation. Moreover, a constant breeze keeps the air clear while extremely pure mineral water springs provide water for its soils! What better conditions could be desired for vine growing?

Cantina Re Manfredi placed its bets on this territory of contrasts: it is ideal for growing typically northern non-native grape varieties, which require pronounced temperature fluctuations in order to fully express their aromatic qualities and benefit from the southern heat and sun, making them pleasantly smooth. A blend of Müller Thurgau and Gewurztraminer allows us to make Re Manfredi Bianco , a complex wine with tropical notes and hints of sage and jasmine. On the palate, this wine expresses the full development of its aromatic essences, kept fresh thanks to its marked minerality. 

AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE

Aglianico del Vulture is the leading wine of Basilicata and the most important grape variety for winemaking at our Cantina Re Manfredi situated between 200 and 700 metres above sea level.The land under vines extends 120 hectares, with 10 hectares situated in Maschito, at an altitude of 550 metres. It is the best area for producing our “Vigneto Serpara”, the cru of the Masseria, named after the “place of snakes” and so called due to its exceptional exposure and very mild climate, even in the coldest periods of the year.It is a powerful and distinct wine, warm and velvety, with hints of candied fruit, thyme and tobacco. After all, it is one of the 100 excellent Italian wines according to the Wine Spectator, and was selected for the Opera Wine event in Verona.

This grape variety, of unquestionable excellence, is often associated with Nebbiolo due to its noble, aggressive character, which is uncompromising.
Just like Nebbiolo, it requires time to grow and express its character. In this location, the ideal conditions can be found for it to slowly and carefully ripen, until harvesting time in late autumn. Care is also required during vinification: it takes skill to achieve elegance and embrace its indomitable strength, making it balanced and refined.

By now the winery team, led by Paolo Montrone, knows all its aspects. With its experience and great respect, the team transforms a special and unique grape variety into a strong well-structured wine. It has a deep intense colour, with firm and dense tannins, and an extraordinary complexity and ability to age.

This is how the Basilicata-based winery offers itself to the world, through its land and its wines. When known, such genuine products do not turn into simple memories but desires and dreams that encourage you to discover more.

This unexplored territory offers many beautiful features that are just waiting to be discovered at the estates owned by Cantina Re Manfredi, where you can savour and taste, with our oenologist Pietro Bertè, the best products of this land that will make your holiday unforgettable.

 To visit the winery and its estates, for hospitality and the Masseria, contact us here!