Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC

The story of Casavecchia di Pontelatone begins around 1900, when farmer Prisco Scirocco discovered a surviving vine growing near the ruins of an old house (casa vecchia) in Pontelatone. The vine had endured both the phylloxera and oidium epidemics that devastated European viticulture, making it a remarkable find. Scirocco propagated the variety through layering, and it gradually spread to neighboring communes. Modern commercial interest picked up in the 1990s, with the first bottled wines appearing around 2000. Official varietal registration followed in 2002, and full DOC status was granted on November 8, 2011. Some researchers have proposed a connection between Casavecchia and the ancient Roman grape Trebulanum, mentioned by Pliny the Elder, though no concrete evidence supports this hypothesis.

• Vine discovered circa 1900 by farmer Prisco Scirocco near ruins of an old house in Pontelatone
• Survived phylloxera and oidium epidemics; propagated through layering
• First bottled wines appeared circa 2000; DOC status granted November 8, 2011
• Possible link to ancient Roman grape Trebulanum cited by Pliny the Elder, though unconfirmed

The appellation sits inland in the province of Caserta, Campania, positioned between Monte Maggiore and the Monti Tifatini. Vineyards range from 50 to 400 meters above sea level across a compact zone that encompasses Liberi, Formicola, and parts of Pontelatone, Caiazzo, Castel di Sasso, Castel Campagnano, Piana di Monte Verna, and Ruviano. The soils are a mix of volcanic, alluvial, and clay-rich material, with clay and limestone also present. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild and temperate conditions averaging 15.2°C annually and approximately 1,153 mm of rainfall per year. Strong diurnal temperature shifts help preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes.

• Vineyards sit at 50 to 400 meters elevation between Monte Maggiore and Monti Tifatini
• Soils are volcanic, alluvial, and clay-rich, with clay and limestone present
• Mediterranean climate with 15.2°C average temperature and 1,153 mm annual rainfall
• Strong diurnal temperature variation supports acidity and aromatic development

Casavecchia is an extremely rare, genetically unique variety found exclusively in this region of Campania. Its high anthocyanin content produces wines of deep color and supple tannins. The variety yields medium-bodied red wines with aromas of black fruit, dried herbs, leather, spices, and vegetal notes. The grape's resilience, having survived two major viticultural diseases at the turn of the twentieth century, underscores its genetic distinctiveness. Production rules mandate a minimum of 85% Casavecchia in all wines bearing the DOC designation.

• Genetically unique variety found exclusively in the Pontelatone area of Campania
• High anthocyanin content delivers deep color and supple tannins
• Aromatic profile includes black fruit, dried herbs, leather, spices, and vegetal notes
• Minimum 85% required in DOC-labeled wines

The DOC produces two styles of red wine: Rosso and Riserva. Rosso must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, including at least 1 year in barrel, before release. Riserva requires a minimum of 3 years total aging, with at least 18 months in barrel. Minimum alcohol levels are set at 12.5% for Rosso and 13.0% for Riserva. The appellation is one of Italy's smallest DOC designations, with only about 5 hectares of vines recorded in 2019 within the 27.63 hectares deemed suitable for production.

• Rosso: minimum 2 years aging, including 1 year in barrel; 12.5% minimum alcohol
• Riserva: minimum 3 years aging, including 18 months in barrel; 13.0% minimum alcohol
• Total suitable production area is 27.63 hectares; only around 5 hectares planted as of 2019
• One of Italy's smallest DOC designations by area and production volume