Paternoster Don Anselmo Aglianico del Vulture 2016

Region and Vineyards

Paternoster Don Anselmo hails from the Vulture region in Basilicata, southern Italy, a land shaped by its volcanic heritage. The vineyards lie on the slopes of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano, where basaltic soils rich in potassium and iron contribute to wines of notable structure and age-worthiness. This terroir, combined with cool mountain breezes and significant diurnal shifts, allows Aglianico grapes to mature slowly, developing complexity and depth while preserving acidity.

The fruit for Don Anselmo is sourced from a mere 4 hectares in the commune of Barile, specifically in the Gelosia hamlet. The vines are over 50 years old, a living expression of Paternoster's ampelographic heritage, planted at an elevation of 600 metres above sea level. These low-yielding, bush-trained vines yield only 3,500 to 4,000 kg per hectare, concentrating flavours and phenolics to produce a wine of profound identity and gravitas.

Winemaking

The grapes for Don Anselmo 2016 were hand-harvested and underwent a classic red fermentation in stainless steel. Fermentation and maceration on the skins lasted 15-18 days at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C, with thrice-daily pump-overs until approximately three-quarters of the fermentation was complete, followed by délestage techniques to enhance aromatic purity and gentle extraction.

Aging was carefully calibrated: 50% of the wine matured in large Slavonian oak casks, known for their neutrality and ability to preserve terroir expression, while the other half aged in once-used French barriques to introduce subtle oak tones. The wine was left to rest for 24 months in wood, followed by 12 months in bottle before release. The result is a wine that balances density and precision, allowing the Aglianico varietal to shine with authenticity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, bright ruby with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Expansive and layered, presenting red cherries, crushed plum, leather, wild herbs, balsamic notes, and dark spices such as clove and cinnamon.
• Palate: Dry and full-bodied with muscular yet refined tannins; intense concentration balanced by fresh acidity; finishes long, savoury, and mineral-driven with excellent age potential.

Did you know?

The wine is named after Anselmo Paternoster, the founder of the estate in 1925. Don Anselmo represents not just a tribute but a philosophy—upholding the family's legacy of producing authentic Aglianico that reflects the soul of Vulture. These vines are part of the original massal selection, preserving local biotypes rarely seen elsewhere in the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised lamb shank: The wine's bold tannins and balsamic profile harmonize beautifully with the rich, gamey flavour of slow-cooked lamb.
• Aged Pecorino: The salinity and sharpness of hard cheeses contrast with the wine's dark fruit and earthy depth.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy tones and creamy textures echo the wine's minerality and spice.
• Venison stew with juniper berries: Matches the wine's wild herb notes and firm structure, enhancing both depth and complexity.

History of Paternoster

Founded by Anselmo Paternoster in 1925 in the small town of Barile, the estate began as a small family operation crafting wine for local consumption. Over time, Paternoster gained a reputation for the authenticity and depth of its Aglianico wines, especially those grown on the slopes of Monte Vulture, an extinct volcano that defines the region's terroir.

The estate remained in the hands of the Paternoster family for three generations. In 2016, Paternoster entered a new chapter when it joined the Tasca d'Almerita group, a renowned Sicilian wine family dedicated to sustainable viticulture and heritage preservation. The alliance brought modern expertise while respecting the historic character and philosophy of the estate. Today, Paternoster continues to be a benchmark producer for Aglianico del Vulture DOC and DOCG, blending tradition and innovation with remarkable coherence.

Region and Vineyards

Paternoster is located in Barile, one of the most prestigious crus of Vulture, in the northern part of Basilicata. The estate owns and manages around 20 hectares of vineyards planted at altitudes ranging between 450 and 600 metres above sea level. The soils are volcanic in origin, composed of tuff, basalt, and layers of clay and limestone—conditions that contribute to the powerful structure, intense minerality, and longevity of the wines.

Vines are cultivated using low-intervention and sustainable methods, emphasizing the importance of local biodiversity and traditional viticultural practices. The estate's vineyards include some old-vine parcels over 50 years old, which form the backbone of its top cuvées, including Don Anselmo.

Wine Range of Paternoster

Paternoster's production focuses predominantly on Aglianico del Vulture, offering a nuanced portfolio that ranges from fresh and approachable styles to profound, cellar-worthy bottlings. Their flagship wine is Don Anselmo, a single-vineyard Aglianico crafted from old vines and aged in a mix of large Slavonian oak and French barriques. Other notable wines include Synthesi, a more youthful and fruit-forward interpretation of Aglianico, and Rótari, showcasing the estate's ability to balance tradition with elegance. A small portion of production is also dedicated to rosé and white wines, notably from local varieties like Malvasia.

Did you know?

The ancient wine cellars used by Paternoster are carved into volcanic tuff beneath Barile's hills—originally created centuries ago by Albanian immigrants. These caves naturally maintain ideal temperatures and humidity, offering a perfect environment for aging wine long before modern technology made it standard.