Cantina di Venosa 2005 Terre di Orazio Dry Muscat 86 points.

Basilicata, the “arch” of the boot, is one of the country’s most fascinating and little-known regions. Insular, superstitious and rustic, it is also a territory deeply linked to its wine growing traditions. Here’s an openly aromatic white with soapy floral notes and flavors of dried apricot and honey. You’d think it was a dessert wine, but its not. Best Buy.

Cantina di Venosa 2003 Terre di Orazio Aglianico del Vulture 86 points.

This is a very fragrant wine named after Latin poet Horace that delivers vibrant tones of blackberry, prunes, plums, freshly milled peppercorn and black volcanic soil. It has rock solid tannins and is a bit gritty in texture suggesting a pairing with succulent foods, such as grilled steak.