Montevetrano

Montevetrano is a 26-hectare estate, of which about 5 are vineyards, in the Monti Picentini Regional Park, in southern Italy. The vineyards are located in San Cipriano Picentino, on a former estate of the Bourbons at 100 meters above sea level, on top of a hill among oaks, chestnuts, hazelnut trees, citrus trees and olive trees, in the shade of an old medieval castle.

In 1983, photographer Silvia Imparato decided to do something beautiful with her parents' (then) 4 hectare vineyard. She set to work with a group of fellow wine enthusiasts (mainly Bordeaux enthusiasts). In addition to the local Aglianico grape, Cabernet Sauvignon was also planted, later followed by Merlot.

The first harvest came in 1989. Shortly afterwards, wine writer Robert Parker discovered this unique red wine and wrote it to heaven. The tone was set overnight, Montevetrano had become a superstar overnight. The acreage grew steadily to 6 and then to 11 hectares.

In 1992 Sylvia invited the then 'up-and-coming' oenologist Riccardo Cotarella to help her with that year's harvest. That connection still exists today and Cotarella has since become one of the most important winemakers in Italy. Montevetrano falls under the designation of origin I.G.P. Colli di Salerno and today counts 26 hectares. The grape composition is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Aglianico.

The Montevetrano wine has been awarded Tre Bicchieri's highest award in the well-known wine guide Gambero Rosso for more than 20 years.