2022 Vestini Campagnano 'Kajanero' Terre del Volturno

Region: Campania < Italy

Grapes: Pallagrello Nero, Casavecchia, Pizzutella, Aglianico

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, dry-farmed, minimal added SO2

• Organic field blend of rare heritage Campanian varietals
• Backyard project from two former Camorra lawyers who wanted to bring back the region's native grapes 
• Bright red fruit, herbal savoriness and a slightly rustic edge
• Honest, everyday wine, made for pasta
• Nice with a chill

In the region between Castel Campagnano and the Conca della Campania, an area where great wines have been made since Roman times, Peppe Mancini and Alberto Barletta's Vestini Campagnano project took up the cause of preserving the region's rare, native grapes that were almost extinct, like Pallagrello, red and white, and Casavecchia clones, as heritage varieties.  The (lawyers for the mafia!)-turned-vintners took cuttings from remaining vines, many over a century old, and planted them.  Now, thanks to Vestini Campagnano, these heritage grapes are spreading in popularity throughout Campania.