Wines made from Müller-Thurgau grapes of Basilicata
Discover the best wines made with Müller-Thurgau as a single variety or as a blend of Basilicata.
Müller-Thurgau shows the character of its noble origins. This Swiss white grape variety is a cross between the royal madeleine and the riesling. The idea that the latter was crossed with the sylvaner is irrelevant. The variety can be recognized by its vigorous character and its semi-erect habit. Preferring rich soils and short prunings, the plant sees its buds open quite early. The buds are cottony and soft green in color. The slightly embossed and tormented blade, with 5 to 7 lobes, makes it possible to distinguish the adult leaves. The clusters appear compact, pyramidal or cylindrical in shape and small to medium in size. The flavour of the Müller-Turgau berries is reminiscent of Muscat. The juicy and crunchy pulp is revealed under a greyish skin. When ripe, the fruit has a mottled shell on a golden yellow background. Switzerland prefers to extract the juice from this variety. The wine made from it is rather heavy and does not keep well.
Basilicata, in Southern Italy, is a region whose name rarely appears in wine circles. It is best known for its red wines made from the Aglianico grape, and in particular for the Aglianico del Vulture appellation. It has only four DOCs, which collectively cover only two of every 100 bottles produced here. The remaining 98% is sold under IGT or, more likely, Vino da Tavola.