Cantina del Notaio

Although the trained agronomist Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti only took over the winery shortly before the turn of the millennium, he was soon able to establish himself consistently in the select circle of top winegrowers in southern Italy. Cantine del Notaio is located in Rionero in Vulture, in the green heart of Basilicata at the foot of an ancient inactive volcano. The passionate landowner is considered a proven expert on the Aglianico grape variety, which shows off its qualities best on the volcanic soils of the Vulture. Giuratrabocchetti, supported by agronomist Luigi Moio, works with environmentally friendly methods and cultivates his vineyards according to organic and biodynamic principles. The father of the family tradition oriented manager was a notary, which explains the choice of the company name. The Dottore, on the other hand, has his love for wine from his grandfather, who was also called Gerardo. He had told his grandson, who was still a child: "You have the same name as me. That's why you're gonna own my vineyards."

Giuratrabocchetti has steadily expanded its range of bottles in recent years. Aglianico grapes are harvested in several phases on the volcanic soils of an area of 30 hectares. These grapes are later found in a number of single-varietal red wines. The young winery's range also includes sparkling, white and rosé wines, the names of which - like the red ones - are associated with the family's notarial activities. In old 17th century tuff caves, formerly owned by the Franciscans, in Rionero in Vulture the wines produced by traditional bottle fermentation are stored on wooden racks, while the remaining production takes place in the new, modern Serra del Granato winery in Ripacandida.

The commitment and research of the Cantine del Notaio has always been focused on researching the great potential of the Aglianico del Vulture grape variety. As a prime example of a successful local grape variety, Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti considers cuvées from Aglianico and one or more supra-regional grape varieties to be of little interest, as she proves that a certain angularity of the wine character can enhance its appeal. The manager of the estate does not seriously believe in the possibility of a return to the production methods of the past, but wants to move away from a folkloric transfiguration of traditional wine making. With technical progress in vinification, the winery owner has succeeded in limiting the alcohol content, which in the past resulted in a rather harsh Aglianico, and has given the wine a new "aspetto di eleganza" to lend. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti has been caring for this family business all his life, as well as for this area of cultivation, which has also gained in visibility thanks to his presence over the past 20 years."Gambero Rosso