Reintroducing an Old CSW Favorite: Madonna delle Grazie!
8/24/26 -
Although Basilicata is one of Italy's least populated regions, small growers are producing some of the most distinct and terroir driven wines. The extinct Vulture volcano (pronounced "vooltooray") has sprinkled ash in the miles around its radius, bringing forth an interesting viticultural history. Aglianico di Vulture is similar to Taurasi in that the main grape is Aglianico, but distinct in that the volcanic ash is much older, creating wines a bit less rustic and more elegant in comparison. Like many wine growing regions, the South of Italy does produce examples of over-extracted and over-oaked reds. Madonna delle Grazie could not be any more different with their massal selections, intentionally selected parcels, high elevation, and native fermentations making soulfully balanced wines. Madonna delle Grazie is one of Jamie Wolff's best discoveries on the Italian wine trail 15 years ago, and we are thrilled to be re-stocking the wines this week! Click here to read his first write-up on the wines.
Giuseppe Latoracca is responsible for planting the vineyards with ancient massal selections of heirloom biotypes of Aglianico. Now in his 80's, Giuseppe's sons Paolo and Michele are deeply involved in the family business combining historical & experiential knowledge from their father with their enology degrees. Their vineyards are largely made up of deep volcanic clay, while the topsoils are a mix of sand, volcanic ash, and large stones depending on the site. The reds often have a few years of stainless steel aging before spending time in large French oak. This brings a noteworthy life and lift to the wines while still having textbook Aglianico notes. In addition to four distinct red Aglianico bottles, they direct press the Aglianico grapes from the high elevation 1.5 hectare 'Leuconoe' parcel to make a crystal-clear mineral driven white wine!
Fun fact: Vulture has not erupted in 150,000 years!
Jamie Wolff first met Paolo Latoracca at VinItaly in 2013. For many years, Chambers Street worked exclusively with the wines, so longtime fans of the shop will recognize these iconic labels. Now we are thrilled to see them represented by Ted Vance and Remy Giannico in the US through The Source Imports. Check out their website with excellent and thoughtful writing about their growers. I am so happy to be reintroducing these wines to our shelves and even more excited to have Paolo in the shop on Thursday, 8/27 from 5-7pm. Please come by!
-Marisa Licandro
