Taste & Aging
Complexity
Beautifully layeredDrinking Window
Aromas
Food Pairing
Our Review
Pipoli Rosato Basilicata IGP Rosé, Basilicata, Italy
Pipoli Rosato is one of those rosés that immediately shows that Southern Italy can do much more than just full-bodied red wine. On the volcanic slopes of Monte Vulture, Aglianico develops a surprisingly fresh, lively side, with just enough fruit to make it irresistibly delicious. This is not just a rosé that looks beautifully pale pink in the glass; this is a wine with energy, tension, and true character.
Vineyards and Region
The grapes come from Acerenza, in the province of Potenza, on the volcanic slopes of Monte Vulture in Basilicata. It is precisely this origin that makes this wine so interesting, as the altitude provides freshness and the volcanic soil adds extra tension to the fruit. The vineyards are planted using alberello basso, a low bush vine pruning system well-suited to warm, poor soils and controlled yields.
- Located up to 800 meters altitude: remarkably high for Southern Italy, allowing the grapes to ripen more slowly and retain more aromatic tension.
- Volcanic soils of Monte Vulture: give the wine extra character and a subtle mineral tension.
- Late growth cycle: due to the altitude, Vulture is one of the last areas in Italy to harvest, which works perfectly for late-ripening grapes like Aglianico.
Vinification and Aging
The wine is made with remarkable precision, with a strong focus on freshness and pure fruit. The grapes go directly into the press, where only the finest must is extracted under low pressure. This is followed by a cool fermentation of the free-run must at 10 °C, preserving the lively fruit and fresh style. Aging takes place in stainless steel on its fine lees, which adds extra roundness without losing the wine's crisp character. The winemaker of this Pipoli Rosato is Danilo Gizzi.
- Direct pressing under low pressure: keeps the style refined and pure.
- Fermentation at 10 °C: preserves freshness and aromatic precision.
- Aging in steel on the lees: adds a little more suppleness and softness on the palate.
Grape Composition
Aglianico – Monte Vulture
Aglianico is a late-ripening Southern Italian grape typically known for powerful red wines, but here it yields a surprisingly fresh and elegant rosé style. The combination of altitude, volcanic soil, and cool fermentation gives this grape in Pipoli Rosato much more finesse than you might expect.
Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions
In the glass, this wine shows a light, clear pink color that immediately tempts you to take the first sip. The aroma is distinctly fruity, with prominent wild strawberry and raspberry, followed by softer notes of cherry and pomegranate. On the palate, it is wonderfully lively, with a fresh acidity that beautifully balances the juicy fruit. The structure is supple and energetic at the same time, making it easy to drink yet far from simple. The finish is fresh, clean, and pleasantly aromatic, precisely the kind of rosé that makes your glass empty unnoticed.
- Serving temperature: Serve this rosé at 12–14 °C so that the fruit remains open and expressive, while the fresh tension is beautifully preserved.
- Dishes: Pairs very well with hot and cold seafood appetizers, raw fish, especially shellfish, and vegetable-based starters or light dishes.
Awards
- Mondial du Rosé 2022: Gold Medal.
- Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023: Gold Medal.
- Frankfurt International Trophy 2023: Gold Medal.
- The WineHunter Award 2023: Rosso.
- Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025: Gold Medal for vintages 2023 and 2024.
About the Winery
Pipoli comes from the line of Vigneti del Vulture, part of Fantini Wines, and is entirely dedicated to the unique terroir of Monte Vulture. Vigneti del Vulture is a winery established by six friends, all with backgrounds in the wine industry. These six friends joined forces, shared their vineyards, and enriched their knowledge. Through this fusion of broad expertise and a wide range of vineyards, they have been able to create an excellent winery.