| Basilicata is the instep of the Italian boot. This hilly and | | | | named for the extinct Mount Vulture volcano that |
| mountainous region is located in the southwest corner | | | | gives the wine its special taste. |
| of Italy. Like so many other parts of Italy this region | | | | Maybe you like your lamb baked. Try Agnello e Funghi |
| has known a series of conquerors, each of whom has | | | | al Forno (Baked Lamb with mushrooms), ideally made |
| left a cultural and culinary trace. The region is known | | | | with cardoncelli mushrooms that tend to grow under |
| for caves that have been occupied for thousands of | | | | thistle bushes. The other ingredients include chili |
| years and have now become trendy tourist | | | | peppers and olive oil. Suggested wine pairings include |
| attractions, complete with upscale restaurants. | | | | Italian Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Nero. I |
| Start your meal with some delicious vegetables. One | | | | have a sneaking suspicion that Aglianico del Vulture |
| great dish is Piatto di Erbe alla Lucana (Dish of Herbs | | | | would also work very well. |
| Lucana Style) consisting of eggplants, onions, yellow | | | | Nobody will blame us for yet another popular but |
| peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a few other | | | | different local lamb specialty, this time based on leg of |
| ingredients. Start by salting the eggplants to remove | | | | lamb. Agnello Venosino (Lamb Venosino style). Other |
| their bitter juices. Fry and then simmer the veggies and | | | | ingredients include asparagus, onions, grated Pecorino |
| their accompaniments. This isn't a quick dish, but you'll | | | | cheese, eggs, and olive oil. This delicious dish calls for |
| enjoy it whether you are a vegetarian or not. The | | | | an Italian Cabernet Sauvignon, or those Piedmont |
| suggested wine pairing is an Italian Syrah. | | | | prizes, Barbaresco DOCG and Barolo DOCG. |
| Lamb is really popular in Basilicata. Make sure to try | | | | Let's not forget chicken. One local dish is Pollo alla |
| Cutturiddi o Agnello in Casseruola (Cutturiddi or Lamb | | | | Potentina (Chicken Potenza Style), chicken braised in |
| Casserole) which is made from a combination of lamb | | | | white wine with onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and |
| breast and shoulder with pearl onions, chili peppers, ripe | | | | some other ingredients. Recommended wine pairings |
| tomatoes, and a few other ingredients. The classic | | | | include an Italian Pinot Nero and a Barbera from |
| wine pairing is the local Aglianico del Vulture DOC | | | | Piedmont. |