Elena Fucci
Basilicata
About the Winery
From the winery: "Our winery was founded in 2000 at a time when our family was discussing whether to sell the beautiful vineyards surrounding the house where I grew up. The vineyards were purchased in the 1960's by my grandfather Generoso, who chose to buy the highest part of the vineyard in Contrada Solagna of Titolo at the foot of Mount Vulture (an extinct volcano). Over the years that followed my grandfather and great-grandfather took care of the vineyards, selling the grapes after harvest and keeping just enough to produce some wine for personal consumption. Our first thought was, six hectares of land are too much to keep for fun. Thus, we decided to sell the land. Many interested buyers knocked at our door, but, at the last moment, I took a shot to the heart. I could not bear the idea that someone may take away from our family the vineyard that I grew up in (our house is located right in the middle of the vineyard). Nor could I accept the possibility that another name may do something great with the oldest vineyards on Mount Vulture, the majority of which are 55-60 years old, and some were planted over 70 years ago. Thus, I completely changed the plans I had for my future and my family and I decided to invest in our area and in the resource that allowed my father, and before him, my grandparents and great-grandparents, to live and grow in Vulture. It may seem like a story written by a novelist, but when I confided to my parents the idea I had and my intention to study enology at the University they were immediately delighted and willing to lend a hand. Especially my father, who seemed to harbor this dream for some time. In fact, I found him to be well versed in agronomy and everything else that would be needed to start this new venture."
Basilicata
Basilicata may not be a particularly affluent region, yet it is rich in natural beauty. Its 10,000 square kilometers (3860 square miles) of land are bordered to the north by Campania and Puglia and to the south by Calabria. Predominantly landlocked, with the Ionian Sea on one side and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the other, it features stunning mountain and hill ranges. In fact it is one of the most mountainous regions in Italy, with around 47 percent mountains and a further 45 percent hills. Only 8 percent of the surface area is classified as being flat. The three main peaks dotted across the region are Monte Pollino at 2238m (7375ft), Monte Sirino at 2005m (6578ft) and the extinct volcano Monte Vulture at 1326m (4350ft). The main area for viticulture lies in the heart of the fertile Vulture Massif in the north. Vineyards are located around Mount Vulture on volcanic soils. The mountainous terrain and harsh weather makes vine-growing a challenge. But the area still enjoys an abundance of sunshine throughout the growing season and cool temperatures around harvest, thanks to climatic variations. Cool Balkan breezes, travelling across the Adriatic and Puglia, help moderate the temperatures. In addition, the Apennines create a barrier to the mild currents from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. In this hilly territory the local variety, Aglianico del Vulture, reigns, producing quality wines which exhibit fine aromas and flavors. While Aglianico is the 'celebrity' of the region, the huge range of 'understudy' varieties that for years seldom gained attention are now taking centre stage. Source: wine-searcher.com
Vineyard(s)
Ratings & Reviews
Title | Item | Vintage | Publication | Score | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elena Fucci | Aglianico del Vulture 'SCEG' | 2021 | 93 | Here's a fun new wine from Elena Fucci named "sceg," after the local dialect word for pomegranate. The 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Sceg is made with fruit from old vines in the village of Barile, perched on the steep slopes of the extinct Vulture volcano. This wine sends an important message for Aglianico because it aspires to a more contemporary profile with bright fruit flavors and an accessible drinking style. We're still talking about the mighty Aglianico grape, so you can expect ample tannic structure and texture; however, this wine does indeed break down in terms of bouquet with tart berry, cranberry jelly from a can and Amarena cherry. And, yes, there is plenty of pomegranate berry too. Production is 6,500 bottles. | |
Elena Fucci | Aglianico del Vulture 'SCEG' | 2021 | 92 | Camphor complicates grilled herb and red plum aromas as the 2021 Aglianico del Vulture SCEG opens in the glass. This is an especially rich and supple rendition of SCEG, with sour citrus enlivening masses of dark red fruits and perfumed inner florals that resonate throughout. Juicy acidity maintains an energetic feel as grippy tannins come forward through the close, as the 2021 finishes long and staining with a youthful tension that puckers the cheeks. | |
Elena Fucci | Basilicata Rose 'Titolo Pink Edition' | 2021 | 92 | The 2021 Rosato Titolo Pink Edition is going to win over a lot of hearts with its rosy mix of ripe cherries, licorice and hints of candle wax. It's texturally deep yet energetic and has a salt tension. This 2021 shows more florals than fruit and is impactful, to say the least. A coating of rounded tannins lingers, along with touches of bitter citrus and gingery spice. This is a fantastic rendition of the Titolo Pink, a varietal Aglianico. Don't be afraid of losing a bottle or two in your cellar for next year. - Eric Guido | |
Elena Fucci | Aglianico del Vulture 'SCEG' | 2020 | 91 | The dark and brooding 2020 Aglianico del Vulture SCEG smolders up from the glass with a rich and early mix of plum sauce, brown spice and crushed autumn leaves. This is silky-smooth, yet balanced by brisk acidity, as a contrasting wave of citrus-tinged black fruit washes across the senses. Smoky nuances and hints of ask resonate throughout. Yet, the 2020 finishes remarkably fresh, leaving just a subtle tug of mineral-laced tannin to remind the taster that this is a young Aglianico in its purest form. The SCEG is refined in stainless steel and sourced from several small old-vine parcels throughout Barile.
Drinking window: 2023-2026 |
