# Liscone Aglianico del Vulture (2020)

- **Producer:** Cantine Madonna delle Grazie
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Aglianico
- **Region:** Basilicata, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, black pepper, violet, vanilla, cedar, smoke, leather, tobacco, forest floor, tar

## About this wine

Cantine Madonna delle Grazie is a family-owned estate located in Venosa, the historic heart of the Aglianico del Vulture appellation in Basilicata, Italy. Run by the Latorraca family, the winery focuses on preserving local traditions and showcasing the unique volcanic terroir of Mount Vulture. 'Liscone' is named after a specific historical locality in Venosa. The estate practices organic farming, utilizing the rich, mineral-laden volcanic soils to produce wines of great structure, depth, and longevity.

## Interesting facts

- The winery is located in Venosa, the ancient birthplace of the famous Roman poet Horace.
- The vineyards sit on the extinct volcano Mount Vulture, which provides unique dark, mineral-rich volcanic soils.
- The Latorraca family has been cultivating vines in this region for over a century, officially founding the modern estate in 2003.

## Food pairing

Aglianico's high tannins and vibrant acidity require rich, savory dishes with high protein and fat content to soften the structure. Volcanic minerality and dark fruit notes pair beautifully with gamey meats, earthy mushrooms, and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Liscone are hand-harvested from organically farmed vineyards situated at approximately 400-450 meters above sea level. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact lasting about 10-15 days. The wine is aged for approximately 12 months in large traditional Slavonian oak casks (botti) and neutral French oak tonneaux, followed by additional refinement in the bottle before release. This approach preserves the vibrant fruit character while softening Aglianico's powerful tannins.