Paternoster
Don Anselmo Aglianico del Vulture 2018
Aglianico del Vulture
Don Anselmo is a landmark wine made from 100% Aglianico grapes, the native varietal in Basilicata for which the region is renowned. It is dedicated to the winery’s founder, Anselmo Paternoster, and represents the history, roots, and continued importance of the Paternoster family in the area of production of the wines, Vulture. The grapes come from small and particularly old vineyard parcels in Barile, located at 2000 feet above sea level, with naturally low yields (35- 40 quintals per hectare). The soil is volcanic, with a significant levels of lava and ash.
VINEYARD
Four hectares in the commune of Barile, in the hamlet of Gelosia. 50 year-old vines (Paternoster’s historical and ampelographic heritage) lying at 600 meters above sea level; very low yields (3,500-4000 kg per hectare).
WINEMAKING
The fruit is crushed and destemmed and the must macerates on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 15 days. During this period, several pump overs are carried out. The wine ages 50% in large Slavonian oak barrels and 50% in French barriques. Final bottle aging lasts 12 months.
VINTAGE
In 2025 the Aglianico of Basilicata reaffirmed its role as the region’s red flagship. On the volcanic slopes of Monte Vulture, warm days and cool nights fostered full phenolic ripeness while retaining refreshing acidity. Volcanic tuff and ash-rich soils lent smoky mineral tension to the grape’s hallmark dark cherry and leather notes. The season delivered structured yet supple wines with firm tannins and long ageing potential — a clear statement of craftsmanship and terroir-leadership in southern Italy.
TASTING NOTE
Bright, deep ruby red; 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.
FOOD PAIRING
A fine wine for roasts, particularly of lamb and red meats; it is also an excellent “meditation wine”
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Aglianico
Appellation
Aglianico del Vulture
Suggested Retail Price
$94
Reviews
Vinous - May 30, 2024 "Crushed black cherries, steeped plums and cloves come together with a dusting of cocoa and brown spice as the 2018 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Don Anselmo wafts up from the glass. It’s soft and supple with velvety textures. Masses of mocha-tinged black fruits meet complicating saline minerals and hints of blood orange. It finishes long and staining with sweet tannins and notes of dark chocolate that rest under an air of violet inner florals. The 2018 is balanced, yet I find myself craving more varietal character and less chocolaty richness."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Synthesi Aglianico del Vulture
Aglianico del Vulture DOC
In 1997 Paternoster added the name “Synthesi” to what previously had been labeled simply as Aglianico del Vulture; the word synthesi refers to “synthesis” in English, as the wine is made from grapes grown in different sections of the Vulture. Synthesi is an Aglianico intended for drinking young, and is an excellently priced example of what the grape is all about.
Vulcanico Falanghina
Basilicata IGT
Volcanic wines are currently one of the hot topics in the wine world, and the Vulcanico Falanghina is having its moment in the sun. The name “Vulcanico” highlights the fact that the grapes are harvested from vineyards near the base of Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano. The Vulcanico combines the freshness, balminess and delicacy of the Falanghina grape with the brightness and generosity that one would expect from a white wine from southern Italy. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks for 10 days and remain in contact with the lees for approximately 5 months.
