The Gregorio and Colucci families have always been custodians of the secrets of this unique territory in the mountains of Upper Irpinia in Campania, east of Naples. Being mountain winemakers has been in their blood for many generations. Their ancient winemaking traditions have been forged in the same way as the medieval village that gives its name to the vineyard and sits atop the hills with panoramic views over the whole valley and the river Calore.
How I met Sabino and his lovely family was either pure luck or destiny, it is a story that I will tell in a blog about my travels in Irpinia at a later stage, but for now my hope is that Neeche Wines can shine a light on not only Castelfranchi but also this less talked about region of Southern Italy.
Sabino, himself an oenologist of the highest repute, now heads the winemaking process from his father and believes in the immense potential of their grandparent’s wine growing region. Recent investment in their winery shows his commitment to continue producing their distinctive wine in their homeland. Maturation, for this reason, still takes place in wooden barrels but they have had the foresight to combine ancient techniques with modern technologies.
The results are extraordinary, and I can’t wait for you to try these refined wines that I was so fortunate to have discovered when visiting Campania. I am sure that, like me, you will wonder how it can be possible that have never tried these gorgeous wines from Irpinia before.
