Paternoster has been one of the most important wineries in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy since 1927. It was Anselmo Paternoster who first began bottling and selling wines under the Paternoster family name, while Pino Paternoster was among the first to produce wines under the Aglianico del Vulture DOC in 1971. Since 2016, the family’s long tradition in the region has been paired with the Tommasi expertise.
The fruit for Don Anselmo is sourced from 4 hectares in the commune of Barile, in the hamlet of Gelosia. This small vineyards are planted with 50 year-old vines lying at 600 meters above sea level. This Paternoster’s historical and ampelographic heritage is characterised by a very low yields (3,500-4000 kg per hectare).
The grapes are picked by hand. Fermentation and maceration on the skins happens in stainless steel for 15-18 days at 25°-28°C with pumping over 3 times a day until ¾ of the fermentation is complete, followed by délestages. Maturation takes place in large Slavonian oak casks for 50% and in French barriques (used once previously) for the remaining 50% for 24 months. The wine undergoes a further 12 moths of bottle-ageing.
The 2016 was a good vintage overall, where high temperatures did not reached critical points, with fairly regular weather across the growing season. The harvest periods were in line with average. The wines show elegance rather than power with great balance and fine tannins.
Bright, deep ruby red colour. On the nose, it displays a broad, complex bouquet, with notes of red fruits, leather, balsamic herbs and dark spices. On the palate, it is dry and potent, with great structure and elegance and an extremely long finish.
A fine wine for roasts, particularly of lamb and red meats; it is also an excellent “meditation wine”.
Best enjoyed at around 18°C
Vinous 94 pts
Wine Spectator 93 pts
Wine Enthusiast 93 pts
James Suckling 92 pts
Basilicata, Italy
100% Aglianico del Vulture
Natural Cork
14%
Vegan
