Grifalco
VENOSA | POTENZA
BASILICATA
| Founded: | 2004 | |
| Owner: | Piccin family | |
| Winemaker: | Lorenzo Piccins | |
| Hectares under vines: | 16ha | |
| Altitude above sea level: | 450-580m | |
| Average annual production: | 80,000 bottles | |
| Green code: | Certified organic |
WHAT THEY SAY
The Grifalco company was founded in 2004 by the desire of Fabrizio and Cecilia Piccin to start a new path after having produced Nobile di Montepulciano for 20 years, focusing on what is considered the most important grape variety in southern Italy; the project is currently carried out by their sons Lorenzo and Andrea. The company has a surface of 16 hectares with age of the vineyards ranging from 10 years up to 80 years, divided into several municipalities of the Vulture, because being able to work with different land allows us to have greater complexity in the wines that are produced. The vineyards are located in the municipalities of Maschito, Forenza, Ginestra and Venosa, where the cellar is also located. About 70 thousand bottles of only Aglianico del Vulture are produced, a precise choice that allows us to focus on just one vine and work on its nuances.
WHAT WE SAY
Brothers Lorenzo and Andrea are devoted to Aglianico del Vulture and are swiftly making themselves a reference point for the ancient grape. There is something for all red wine lovers in this range from the volcanic soils of Monte Vulture. Although located in the south, the altitude provides a cool climate and long growing season. This produces highly collectible wines of great complexity with great ageing potential like the award winning Damaschito and Daginestra. The Gricos is made for earlier drinking from the youngest vines and vinified in a fruit-forward fashion, but is still a robust and rich wine. The flagship wine, Grifalco, is a beautiful example.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
2015 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG Daginestra Good full red. Wild aromas of musky plum, chocolate and graphite nicely complemented by underbrush and faded flowers. Savory, flinty and deep, with lovely energy and nuance to the musky red and dark fruit flavors, complemented by underbrush and soil tones. Compellingly chewy and rich on the long finish, this should evolve gracefully for many years. Made from 60-80 year old vines grown at 560 meters above sea level, the wine is aged 18-24 months in a mix of French and Slavonian oak barrels.- Ian D'Agata, Vinous 93 points 2022 - 2028
Aglianico Del Vulture Grifalco DOC: “We can thank volcanoes and the magically enlivening effect their soil has on wine for this one, although its particular volcano is not technically extinct. The name is a mix of the griffin, the symbol of Montepulciano, where the family came from, and the falcon, the symbol of Monte Vulture. (Yes, I know it should be a vulture. I don’t control these things.) The 45-year-old Aglianico vines give great depth and detail, plenty of acidity and perfect balance It’s both powerful and dancing. Very long.” Margaret Rand, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2023 - “10 Wines to Try in 2023“.
WINES
Reds:
Aglianico del Vulture DOC Gricos
Aglianico del Vulture DOC Grifalco
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG Damaschito
Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG Daginestra