Producer Background: Basilicata is a region where there is relatively little wine, but where the right climate manages to combine with the perfect soil, the wine it produces is of a truly outstanding quality. This magical and rare union occurs on the Re Manfredi / Terre degli Svevi estate, which surrounds an avant-garde cellar on the slopes of Monte Vulture, the ancient extinct volcano which rises in the Lucanian Apennines. In a very beautiful, wild and rugged region, the vineyards spread over the lowest parts of the volcano. It is here that the Aglianico vine is cultivated; the name is a corruption of "Ellenico", a vine imported during the Greek domination. The Aglianico del Vulture is a dark, very well-structured red wine with good ageing potential. Besides this great wine there are also wines of smaller production such as Muller Thurgau and Traminer, which have found a natural habitat on the volcanic soil.

Wine Type: Dry White

Grape Type: 50% Muller Thurgau, 50% Traminer.

Country: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Vinification:

Tasting Notes: "Highly original blend of Muller Thurgau and Traminer planted at 400m above sea level on volcanic slopes. This white has lots of body, very classy tropical fruit aromas and a fresh minerally finish. Up to 2007."

-- Richard Baudins, Decanter, February 2005

Food Match: white meats, turkey, sushi, shrimp, salads, hard cheeses, fowl, fish, crab, chicken.