Grottino di Roccanova

The Protected Designation of Origin "Grottino di Roccanova" identifies four types of wine: red, red riserva, white and Rosato.

Grapes

Both Grottino di Roccanova Rosso and Rosso Riserva are produced with a base of Sangiovese grapes (from 60% to 85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (from 5% to 30%, combined with Malvasia Nera di Basilicata (between 5% and 30%) and Montepulciano (between 5% and 30%). Finally, up to a maximum of 10% of other non-aromatic black grapes, suitable for cultivation in Basilicata, may be used. For the Bianco, on the other hand, it is mainly used Malvasia bianca di Basilicata (minimum 80%), together with other non-aromatic white grapes. Finally, Rosato is made with Sangiovese (60% to 85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5% to 30%), Malvasia nera di Basilicata (5% to 30%) and Montepulciano (5% to 30%). In this case, too, other non-aromatic black grapes may be used, up to 10%. 

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The "Grottino di Roccanova" Rosso (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 12% vol) is a pleasant ruby red colour with an intense and persistent aroma and a typical, characteristic and dry flavour. In the Riserva variant, the colouring tends to be garnet and the alcohol content rises to 13% vol. The "Grottino di Roccanova "Bianco (11% vol. ), on the other hand, is straw yellow, accompanied by an intense, fruity aroma and a dry, typical flavour. Finally, the Rosé (11. 5% vol. ) always gives off an intense and fruity aroma, but combined with a fresh, balanced and dry taste. 

Grape production area

The production area is a rather limited hilly area, which includes the municipalities of Roccanova, Sant'Arcangelo and Castronuovo di Sant'; Andrea. It is characterized by the presence of two watercourses: the Agri river and the Serrapotamo stream. The climate is temperate. 

Specificity and historical notes

The oldest mention of a wine from the Grottino di Roccanova area is by Pliny, contained in his Naturalis Historia.