Basilicata's Appellations of Origin

Despite being a small region, Basilicata’s Appellations of Origin include a DOCG, the Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG, based on wines made from the Aglianico del Vulture grape variety. Additionally, there are four denominations for DOC wines. The Aglianico del Vulture DOC serves as a fallback for the namesake DOCG. In the Val d’Agri, there is the Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC, and in the Roccanova area, the Grottino di Roccanova DOC, where grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano are cultivated. In the Matera area, represented by the Matera DOC, Primitivo is the main grape variety, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grottino di Roccanova DOC offers red wines based on the region’s cultivated grape varieties, while for white wines, Malvasia must represent at least 80% of the blend. As an IGT, Basilicata IGT is present, encompassing wines of all types and produced with all the grape varieties cultivated in the region.

This diverse range of denominations illustrates Basilicata’s commitment to quality and variety in wine production, emphasizing both traditional and emerging wine styles and grape varieties.

Appellation	Districts
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG	Potenza

Appellation	Districts
Aglianico del Vulture DOC	Potenza
Grottino di Roccanova DOC	Potenza
Matera DOC	Matera
Terre dell’Alta Val d’Agri DOC	Potenza

Appellation	Districts
Basilicata IGT	Potenza, Matera

Agrifood Appellations of Origin in Basilicata

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is a region nestled between the mountains and the sea, and it is home to some of the most characteristic cheeses and cured meats in Southern Italy. Several agri-food products from Basilicata have been awarded the IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) and DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status, and many others are listed as Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali (Traditional Agri-food Products, or PAT).

Among the cheeses, notable is the Caciocavallo Podolico IGP, a soft cheese also produced in Calabria and Puglia. Another renowned cheese is the Pecorino di Moliterno, better known as Canestrato di Moliterno IGP. These cheeses embody the rich culinary heritage of Basilicata, reflecting the region’s unique environmental conditions and traditional cheese-making techniques.

In Basilicata, the most notable meat is from the Podolica cattle breed, prevalent in some rural areas of the region (as well as in Calabria, Campania, and Puglia). From these cattle, high-quality meat and milk with significant nutritional value are produced. The Podolica cattle are raised in a free-range environment, contributing to the natural nutritional richness and distinct taste of Podolica meat.

Legumes and vegetables are also important in Basilicata’s cuisine. Notable among these are the Sarconi Beans IGP, the White Beans of Rotonda IGP, the Lentils of Altamura IGP, the Red Eggplant of Rotonda DOP, and the Crusco Pepper of Senise IGP.

Cured meats are a significant part of Basilicata’s ancient culinary traditions. Among these are the Lucanica di Picerno IGP sausage, the Salame Pezzente, the Salsiccia di Cancellara, the Capocollo Lucano, and the Sopressata Lucana.

Bakery products also have much to offer in Basilicata, including the famous Pane di Matera IGP.

In terms of olive oil, Basilicata’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO) is primarily produced from local cultivars, like the Majatica, a typical variety of Lucanian olives. The Vulture Extra Virgin Olive Oil has earned the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) status.

These diverse and high-quality agri-food products showcase Basilicata’s rich and varied culinary heritage, deeply rooted in its land and traditions.

Agrifood Appellations of Origin of Basilicata

Appellation	Appellation class	Category
Caciocavallo Silano DOP	DOP	Cheese
Canestrato di Moliterno IGP	PGI	Cheese
Fagioli Bianchi di Rotonda DOP	DOP	Greens and vegetables
Fagiolo di Sarconi IGP	PGI	Greens and vegetables
Lucanica di Picerno IGP	PGI	Cured meats
Melanzana Rossa di Rotonda DOP	DOP	Greens and vegetables
Pane di Matera IGP	PGI	Bread
Pecorino di Filano DOP	DOP	Cheese
Peperone di Senise IGP	PGI	Greens and vegetables
Vulture DOP	DOP	Oil and olives