New DOC for Basilicata

Published: 23 July, 2008

A new Italian DOC has just been announced.

Centred upon Matera in the southern region of Basilicata, DOC Matera will cover a range of wines that are produced outside the famed Monte Vulture district and are made from grapes other than Aglianico, long the province's signature grape. DOC Matera will have six categories.

Among reds there will be a DOC Matera Rosso, with a minimum of 60% Sangiovese and back-up from 10% Primitivo and other local varieties. There will also be a varietally based Primitivo di Matera, with the named grape at 90% and the balance coming from other permitted varieties. A blend to be known as Matera Moro will be comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Primitivo and 10% Merlot, with the balance made up of other varieties.

The white wines will consist of a DOC Matera Bianco, a blend of a minimum of 70% Malvasia di Basilicata, 10% Greco and a maximum of 20% other local varieties; a varietal Greco di Matera with that grape at 85%; and a sparkling wine made from a minimum of 70% Malvasia and 10% Greco. Planting densities are to be at least 3,300 per hectare for new and re-planted sites.

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