Matera a tiny wine-producing DOC of Basilicata, southern Italy. Rich in viticultural history, the Matera area dates back as far as 1300 BC during the time of the Lucans, and takes its name from both the city of Sassi and the entire province stretching along the Ionian coast to Murgia.
Awarded its DOC classification in 2005, Matera is allowed to produce six wines. The reds include a Rosso which is dominated by Sangiovese, Aglianico and Primitivo grapes with a small percentage of other permitted native and non-aromatic grapes. The Matera Moro consists of a more international mix: a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (10%), with the remainder made up with Primitivo (20%) and other local varieties. For the varietal Primitivo there must be at least 90% of this variety.
The major players for the whites are a varietal comprising 85% Greco Bianco with a small proportion of other indigenous white grapes, a Bianco made up of Malvasia Bianca di Basilicata, Greco Bianco and small amounts of other native white grapes, and a Spumante crafted from the same mix as the Bianco with an additional natural re-fermentation process.
