2014 Camerlengo Basilicata Rosso Antelio 750 ml

The greatest wine of the Romans re-discovered on the slopes of Mount Vulture

Mount Vulture, a dormant volcano idle for 400 centuries, is the dominant geographical feature of Basilicata, the arch in the proverbial Italian boot. The region is gorgeous, laden with picturesque cave houses and rock-cut fresco churches. One of the highlights of visiting Basilicata is sitting at the famous Novecento restaurant in Melfi, eating the incredible Lucanica sausage and burrata — with a glass of this Camerlengo Basilicata Rosso “Antelio.”

Basilicata’s proximity to Greece helped it become one of the first regions in Italy to begin making wine, and catalyzed its greatest viticultural treasure — Aglianico. This is the grape that went into the legendary Falernian, the greatest wine of ancient Rome. To this day, Aglianico remains the most noble grape of southern Italy, producing deep, dark wines that express the volcanic soils from which they’re grown. While the Aglianico wines of Taurasi from producers like Mastroberardino impress with their power, structure, and longevity, Vulture’s Aglianico is more elegant, perfumed, and pleasurable in its youth.  

Every great grape and every great region has its champion — enter renowned architect Antonio Cascarano. Since inheriting the Camerlengo estate from his grandfather around the turn of the century, he has brought an artistic and artisanal sensibility to wine-growing in the region. The Camerlengo winery was named for the Cardinal Camerlengo, a top administrative position in the Roman Catholic Church, reflecting the noble origins, history, and traditions of Rapolla. To honor this tradition, Cascarano designed and built a new winery that he opened in 2010. “We reused the Opus signinum, a material used by the Romans, in the structure,” he explains.

Camerlengo’s 12-acre vineyard sits 1,300 feet up the Vulture volcano itself, on a southeast-facing slope near the village of Rapolla that enjoys full morning sunshine. The volcanic soil provides mineral complexity to its wines. Antonio farms his old Aglianico vines organically and his natural style of winemaking yields elegant and flavorful renditions of Aglianico.

The “Antelio” cuvée enjoys 25 days on skins, soft pressing, then maturation in 400-liter barrels for 8 months. Bottled without fining or filtration, it has a bright violet color with aromas of black raspberry, star anise, black pepper, hints of smoke and crushed rock minerality. The palate is fleshy with a deep core of black fruit, spices, and open-knit, soft tannins. Long and impressive finish with great concentration and no excess weight. Drink now to 2022.

After the sommeliers at a handful of the country’s trendiest restaurants, WineAccess comes first. From 1,300 feet up Mount Vulture, straight to your door. Only 112 cases of one of our best Aglianico finds. Shipping included on 4.