Casavecchia

Casavecchia carries one of the most compelling origin stories in Italian viticulture. Around 1900, a farmer named Prisco Scirocco reportedly discovered a surviving vine growing in the ruins of an old house, 'casa vecchia', near the town of Pontelatone in the Province of Caserta. That single vine gave rise to every Casavecchia plant cultivated today. The grape had already survived the oidium epidemic of 1851 and the phylloxera crisis, testament to its resilience. It remained obscure for most of the twentieth century until renewed interest in indigenous Italian varieties during the 1990s prompted local producers to bottle it commercially. Some researchers have proposed a link to Trebulanum, an ancient Roman variety praised by Pliny the Elder, though this connection remains unproven. The variety was formally entered into the National Register of Grape Varieties in 2002.

• Discovered around 1900 in ruins near Pontelatone by farmer Prisco Scirocco
• Survived both the oidium epidemic of 1851 and the phylloxera crisis
• Commercially revived in the 1990s alongside broader interest in indigenous Italian grapes
• Registered in the National Register of Grape Varieties in 2002

Casavecchia is grown exclusively in the Province of Caserta in northern Campania, at elevations ranging from 50 to 400 meters, with most vineyards concentrated between 50 and 200 meters. The Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC, established on November 8, 2011, governs the variety's highest-quality production and stands as one of Italy's smallest appellations. Wines may also be produced under the Terre del Volturno IGT designation. DOC regulations require a minimum of 85% Casavecchia, with up to 15% other non-aromatic red varieties permitted. Yields are capped at 9 tons per hectare with a maximum 70% grape-to-wine conversion rate.

• Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC established November 8, 2011
• DOC minimum: 85% Casavecchia, up to 15% other non-aromatic red varieties
• Yield limit of 9 tons per hectare; 70% maximum grape-to-wine conversion
• Wines also produced under Terre del Volturno IGT

The vineyards of Caserta sit on a complex mosaic of soils rooted in the region's volcanic history. Campanian Ignimbrite, a compacted volcanic tuff, forms the base of many sites, alongside clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits. A Mediterranean climate with strong diurnal temperature shifts and constant ventilation defines the growing season. Casavecchia is a late-ripening variety, harvested from mid-October onwards, and the vines are naturally low in vigor and productivity. These characteristics, combined with high anthocyanin content, concentrate color and structure in the finished wine.

• Soils include volcanic Campanian Ignimbrite, clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits
• Mediterranean climate with strong diurnal shifts and consistent ventilation
• Late-ripening variety harvested from mid-October onwards
• Low-vigor vines with natural low productivity concentrate flavor and color

Casavecchia produces medium to full-bodied red wines with deep color, powerful tannins, and relatively low acidity. The aromatic profile centers on black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry, layered with dried herbs, violet, leather, tobacco, and earthy spice. Despite high anthocyanin levels, the tannins have a soft character that makes the wines approachable with proper aging. DOC Rosso must age for a minimum of 2 years, including 1 year in wood, at a minimum of 12.5% ABV. Riserva requires 3 years of aging with 18 months in wood, at a minimum of 13% ABV. The wines reward patience, drinking optimally after at least 5 years and capable of development for 15 to 20 or more years.

• Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs, violet, leather, tobacco, and earthy spice
• DOC Rosso: minimum 2 years aging, 1 year in wood, 12.5% ABV minimum
• DOC Riserva: minimum 3 years aging, 18 months in wood, 13% ABV minimum
• Optimal drinking after 5 years; capable of aging 15 to 20+ years

Given the tiny scale of production, a small group of dedicated producers has been responsible for bringing Casavecchia to wider attention. The estates working with this variety include Calatia, Il Verro, Terre del Principe, Vestini Campagnano, and Vini Aloisi. Vestini Campagnano is widely credited as a pioneer in the modern revival of Casavecchia, alongside Terre del Principe. These producers have demonstrated the variety's capacity to produce structured, serious wines that express the distinctive volcanic and clay soils of the Caserta countryside.

• Key producers: Calatia, Il Verro, Terre del Principe, Vestini Campagnano, Vini Aloisi
• Vestini Campagnano and Terre del Principe are recognized pioneers of the modern revival
• Production volumes remain extremely small given only 5 hectares recorded in 2019
• Genetically unique variety with documented relationships to Catalanesca and Pallagrello Nero