The Giuratrabocchetti family is linked to the cultivation of Aglianico grape in Rionero in Vùlture, about 40 kilometers north of Potenza, in Basilicata, for seven generations. However, it is necessary to reach 1998 for this bond to become official, thanks to the work of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti who founded, with the help of his wife Marcella, the Cantine del Notaio, dedicating them to his father Consalvo, famous Notary of Rionero and Basilicata in general.
Before this important step, Gerardo had graduated in Agricultural Sciences and had undertaken important scientific research, in collaboration with several Italian universities, on the potential of what is rightly considered the most important grape variety in Southern Italy: Aglianico. Far from considering this research completed, Gerardo continues to study this grape still today, with the precious collaboration of Professor Luigi Moio, one of the most authoritative voices of the southern wine scene.
The 40 hectares of property, which develop along the most famous districts of the volcano Vùlture (no longer active), are characterized by fertile soils of volcanic origin, with a tuff subsoil that guarantees an adequate water supply during the most dry periods of the year. Here there are vineyards of different ages, from the youngest (between 5 and 30 years old) to the oldest and ultra-centenarians, all cultivated following the biodynamic philosophy, interpreted by Gerardo with his scientific and rigorous approach. The cellar is located in Serra del Granato, just one kilometre from Rionero, and is equipped with innovative technologies that allow Gerardo to conduct an intensive experimentation also on winemaking techniques, since nothing is left to chance. The ageing rooms are an intricate network of caves dug underground, in the tuff, by the Franciscan Friars, around 1600, which ensure a perfect balance between constant temperature, humidity and ventilation.
In tune with the name of the winery, even the names of the wines are derived from the actions or certifications typical of Notary as in this Aglianico del Vùlture Il Repertorio, harvested manually in the second half of September. After about 10 days of maceration, the must ferments at controlled temperature in stainless steel, and the wine obtained ages in French oak barrels, for at least one year, in the caves of which I wrote a few minutes ago, before bottling and marketing.
The 2017 vintage has a pretty intense sparkling ruby red, with some garnet streaks, and a range of aromas that opens with notes of black cherry syrup, cooked plum, black currant and pot pourri, followed by creams de cassis, licorice root and humus, with very light concluding echoes of vanilla and carpentry. The palate strikes for the evident softness and warmth, masterfully contained by silky tannins and a balancing balsamic freshness; all enriched by the return of overripe red fruit and wood that accompany the sip to an excellent length closure.
Rating: 88/100
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