Chiaromonte lies in the heart of the Pollino Massif in Basilicata, on a hillside spur overlooking the Sinni and Serrapotamo valleys. The vineyard landscape alternates between slopes, valley floors and wooded areas, in a mountainous environment characterised by breezes, good sunlight and significant temperature variations between day and night. The soils, composed of sedimentary strata with clay, sand and gravel components, favour wines with a well-defined structure, underpinned by a savoury character and a distinctive mineral note.
The most distinctive grape variety is Guarnaccino, an ancient black grape variety linked to the local agricultural history and the subject of a major revival programme. These grapes produce red wines that are intensely coloured, fragrant, Mediterranean in character and spicy, with body, smoothness and a tannic structure suited to ageing. Alongside Guarnaccino, the region’s viticultural heritage is expressed through other local reds and regional interpretations that showcase the character of the inland hills.
Wine culture is an integral part of Chiaromonte’s identity: the numerous caves hewn into the rock, traditionally used as cellars, provide natural conditions favourable to wine storage. The winemaking process preserves ancient techniques, from crushing to fermentation, through to racking and ageing, now complemented by modern equipment and a renewed focus on showcasing the terroir.
