The Wine
A vibrant, mineral-driven red from volcanic soils in Basilicata (the arch of Italy’s boot and one of two regions that are home to Aglianico). The wine shows notes of red fruit, spice, and graphite with a tannic structure that is approachable now. This is the entry-level tier from a family of three tiers.
The wine is 100% Aglianico (say it fast – ahh lee AHH nee coh) from organically farmed vineyards at elevations between 1,500-1,800 feet. These vines, ranging from 10 to 30 years old, are rooted in volcanic soils rich in minerals, which are considered essential for an Aglianico to deliver its true expression. The wine is aged for six to twelve months in used French and American oak barrels, followed by additional time in stainless steel to preserve freshness. While approachable in its youth, it has the structure to age gracefully for five to seven years.
Aromas feature crunchy red fruits like cherry and pomegranate, complemented by floral notes, black pepper, and hints of forest floor. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and energetic, with vibrant acidity and notable tannins. Flavors of graphite, cherry, and spice evolve over time, leading to a dry finish. 13.5% ABV
Pairings: grilled meats, burgers, lasagna, lentil stew, or eggplant parmigiana.
The Winery
Grifalco Vini is a family-run estate based in Venosa – the heart of the Vulture DOC. The winery was founded in the early 2000s by Cecilia and Fabrizio Piccin, who relocated from Tuscany to explore the potential of Aglianico in Basilicata.
Today, their sons Lorenzo and Andrea lead the winery, continuing the familys commitment to organic farming and terroir expression, as do most of the producers who grace our shelves. The estate cultivates about 33 acres of vineyards across four communes, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend.
Grifalco is certified organic and practices manual harvesting and berry sorting. In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, with native yeast fermentation and aging in neutral oak to preserve the purity of the Aglianico grape. The winery produces several expressions of Aglianico del Vulture, including the youthful and expressive Gricos, the more structured Grifalco from older vines, and the single-vineyard Damaschito. The Gricos bottling, in particular, is designed to be fresh and accessible, offering a compelling introduction to the power and finesse of Aglianico grown in volcanic soils
