Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri DOC

The appellation sits in the Alta Val d'Agri, an Apennine valley in the province of Potenza, Basilicata. Vineyards in the three authorised municipalities of Viggiano, Grumento Nova, and Moliterno reach elevations of 600-800 metres, positioned close to the Appennino Lucano National Park and the Campania border. Soils are a combination of clay, limestone, and sand in a medium loam structure, providing good drainage and mineral complexity.

• Three municipalities: Viggiano, Grumento Nova, and Moliterno
• Elevation range of 600-800 metres supports slow, even ripening
• Clay, limestone, and sandy soils in a medium loam profile
• Proximity to the Appennino Lucano National Park shapes the local microclimate

The climate is broadly Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. The high elevation introduces a critical variable: strong diurnal temperature variation, particularly from August through October. These swings between warm days and cool nights allow grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity while retaining freshness and aromatic intensity. Harvest typically completes in mid to late October.

• Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters
• Strong diurnal temperature variation from August through October harvest
• Cool nights at altitude preserve acidity and aromatics
• Full grape maturation typically achieved by mid to late October

The DOC produces red and rosé wines. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the primary varieties for red production, a distinctive focus on international grapes rather than the indigenous varieties more common elsewhere in southern Italy. Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata contributes to the rosato style. The Rosso delivers ruby red colour with blackberry and plum aromas, a harmonious and structured palate, and a minimum alcohol of 12%. The Rosso Riserva requires 24 months of aging with at least 6 months in oak. The Rosato shows pink colour with floral and fresh fruit character.

• Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate red production
• Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata used for rosato wines
• Rosso: minimum 12% alcohol, 12 months aging required
• Rosso Riserva: 24 months aging with minimum 6 months in oak
• Maximum yield set at 70% of harvested grapes

Winemaking in the Alta Val d'Agri stretches back to Roman times. The ancient settlement of Grumentum, established as a Roman colony in the 3rd century BC, has yielded archaeological evidence of wine production including amphorae and kilns. The broader area was historically known as part of ancient Enotria, the land of wine. The modern DOC designation was awarded in 2003, establishing Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri as only the second DOC in Basilicata, following Aglianico del Vulture which received its DOC status in 1971. The area also hosts the 'Vino sotto le stelle' (Wine under the stars) wine festival, a local tradition celebrating its viticultural heritage.

• Archaeological evidence of wine production at Grumentum dates to the 3rd century BC
• The area was part of ancient Enotria, Italy's historic winemaking heartland
• DOC granted in 2003, the second in Basilicata after Aglianico del Vulture (1971)
• Local tradition of the 'Vino sotto le stelle' wine festival continues today