History of Donato d'Angelo Winery
Donato D'Angelo's has been involved in the wine trade and the passion and love for wine all his life. He was born in 1953 in Rionero in Vulture, Basilicata, into a family of wine producers who sold bulk wine since the 1930's through the ventures of his grandfather, also called Donato.In 1966, Donato left Basilicata to study Viticulture and Oenology in Conegliano Veneto, Italy. Simultaneously, he undertake an internship at Carpenè Malvolti, the famous producer of Prosecco.
During his studies he developed a passion for sparkling wine and for the Prosecco area, however, he chose to return home to Basilicata and experiment with the family wine making business.
With his newly gained wine knowledge he instantly recognised the potential of the Aglianico grape and, although still very young, transformed the family winemaking business from making bulk wine to producing their own quality wine.
Not only was Donato d'Angelo one of the first oenologists in Basilicata, he was also a pioneer in the introduction of using wood in Southern Italy and the first ever to export his wines from Basilicata to America.
As the years went by, Donato started experimenting by planting international grape varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, however, his heart remains with the Aglianico grape to which he dedicated years of study.
Thus, it is fair to say, that Donato d'Angelo is amongst the pioneers and best connoisseurs of Aglianico del Vulture in all its forms.
In the 1990s, he met Filomena Ruppi, his future wife who also hails from the wine world and together they launched an interesting new project together. In 2001, they set up the Donato D'Angelo winery and today, Donato is assisted by daughters Erminia, Alessandra and Emiliana.
Emiliana graduated at the University of Milan and plays a major part in the viticultural and winemaking processes at the winery. After working in Piedmont and France, Emiliana came back to Basilicata to support her Father and is now determined to give worldwide visibility to the beautiful grape of Aglianico! She can be seen at many a wine show, the world over.
In the next section, we'll delve deeper into the aglianico grape and explore why it's such an essential component of Donato d'Angelo wine.
The Aglianico Grape
The aglianico grape has played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Donato d'Angelo wines. Cultivated in the rugged hills of Basilicata, this grape variety is known for its thick skin and high tannin content, which gives it a bold and robust character. The aglianico grape requires a high level of attention and skill to cultivate, and the family have been mastering this art for generations.Incorporating this grape into their wines has been a labour of love for the d'Angelo family, who recognise the potential of aglianico's unique flavour profile. By blending it with other grape varieties, they have been able to create some of their most popular wines, such as the Balconara and Riserva. These wines are remembered for their complexity, deep red colour, and distinctive flavours.
The aglianico grape is not just any grape; it is a symbol of the heritage and craftsmanship that guides the family in every aspect of their winemaking. By honouring the aglianico grape, the Donato d'Angelo family has built a reputation for producing high-quality wines that are rich in history and taste. In the next section, we'll explore how this same dedication to tradition fuels the family-run team at Donato d'Angelo.
Family-Run and Ambitious Team
Incorporating the aglianico grape into their wines has been a long-standing tradition for the family. Their passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in their history, and it is no surprise that their family-run business has thrived for over a century. What might come as a surprise is that the winery is now led by a female team.At Donato d'Angelo, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. The winery's female-led team continues to follow the same production methods passed down through generations, while also embracing new techniques to make their wines even better. This is evident with each bottle of wine that they produce, from their highly-rated Calice to their elegant Fiano whites.
The women at Donato d'Angelo are fiercely proud of their heritage and the rich history that goes into every bottle. Their commitment to excellence, paired with the knowledge that comes from generations of winemaking, allows them to create exceptional wines that stand out from the rest.
This same dedication to tradition drives the highest quality production standards at Donato d'Angelo. The entire winemaking process is done with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that each bottle of wine is a true representation of the aglianico grape and the Donato d'Angelo family legacy.
Highest Quality Production Standards
This same commitment to tradition and excellence also extends to the production process at Donato d'Angelo. The winemakers use only the highest quality grapes, grown in the rich soil of the estate, and carefully oversee every step of the production process. From the harvesting of the grapes to the bottling of the finished product, every detail is scrutinised to ensure that only the best wine makes it to market.At Donato d'Angelo, the winemakers believe that the best wine comes from a combination of traditional methods and modern technology. While the process may be steeped in history, they are not afraid to incorporate innovative techniques to improve the quality of their wine. For example, they use state-of-the-art machinery to carefully press the grapes and ensure that every last drop of juice is extracted.
The winery also uses environmentally sustainable practices whenever possible. They are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and minimalising waste, which allows them to create exceptional wine while also protecting the land for future generations.
All of these factors contribute to the high standards of production at Donato d'Angelo. The result is a wine that not only tastes exceptional but also represents the heritage and history of the Donato d'Angelo family. Each bottle is a testament to the passion and dedication of the women who continue to carry on the legacy of their ancestors.
In short, when you give the gift of Donato d'Angelo wine, you are not simply giving a bottle of wine - you are giving a piece of history, tradition, and excellence. With its complex flavours and impeccable production standards, it is the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.,
In conclusion, Donato d'Angelo wine truly is the perfect gift for any wine lover. Its rich history and commitment to producing the highest quality aglianico make it a truly unparalleled choice. The team behind this family-run winery ensure that each bottle is crafted with care and attention to detail, and the elegant packaging is sure to impress.
Don't hesitate - order your wine today and give the wine lover in your life a taste of the best aglianico from Basilicata, Italy.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, "Wine is one of the most civilised things in the world." And with Donato d'Angelo, you can be sure that you're bringing a touch of elegance to any occasion.