D'Alfonso del Sordo

The roots of D'Alfonso del Sordo reach back to 1800, when Baron Antonio del Sordo and Ludovico D'Alfonso began cultivating vines in San Severo. The family name itself reflects a defining moment in the early 1900s, when Giovanni del Sordo adopted Felice D'Alfonso, merging the two lineages into a single identity. The commercial winery was established in the mid-1900s by Antonio D'Alfonso del Sordo, and the estate is now led by the current generation, Gianfelice and Celeste d'Alfonso del Sordo.

• Family viticulture tradition in San Severo documented from 1800
• Family name created when Giovanni del Sordo adopted Felice D'Alfonso in the early 1900s
• Commercial winery established mid-20th century by Antonio D'Alfonso del Sordo
• Currently operated by siblings Gianfelice and Celeste d'Alfonso del Sordo

The estate sits at the foot of the Garganic hills in San Severo, at an elevation of 80 meters. The 120 hectares of vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils under a Mediterranean climate shaped by winds from the Gargano promontory and maritime exposure from the Adriatic. The principal estate, Coppanetta, accounts for 30 hectares, with 25 currently in production. These conditions are well suited to indigenous varieties, particularly the thick-skinned Nero di Troia, which the estate has championed for decades.

• 80 meters elevation on clay and limestone soils
• Mediterranean climate moderated by Gargano winds and Adriatic maritime influence
• Main Coppanetta estate: 30 hectares total, 25 in production
• Soil structure supports both indigenous red and white varieties

D'Alfonso del Sordo grows a broad range of varieties, with a clear emphasis on indigenous Apulian grapes. Nero di Troia is the flagship, and the estate pioneered a 1973 clone vineyard of the variety that remains central to its research and production. Other native varieties include Bombino Bianco, Primitivo, Falanghina, Montepulciano, Moscato, Trebbiano, Malvasia Bianca, and Verdeca. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Merlot are also grown. The winery's philosophy centers on natural expression of terroir and the preservation of native Apulian grapes.

• Nero di Troia is the flagship variety; a 1973 clone vineyard remains in production
• Wide range of native varieties including Bombino Bianco, Primitivo, and Falanghina
• International varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Merlot also cultivated
• Focus on preserving indigenous Apulian grapes and expressing local terroir

D'Alfonso del Sordo produces wines under three appellations: San Severo DOC, Puglia IGP, and Daunia IGP. San Severo holds the distinction of being the first Apulian town to receive DOC recognition, awarded in 1968, and the estate has been producing under that appellation since its inception. Puglia IGP production began in 1995. The winery also holds ISO 9001 certification, reflecting its commitment to consistent quality management. A formal research partnership with the University of Foggia, established in 2001, focuses specifically on Nero di Troia.

• San Severo DOC: first Apulian DOC, granted 1968; D'Alfonso del Sordo has produced under it since the beginning
• Puglia IGP production began 1995; Daunia IGP also used
• ISO 9001 certified for quality management
• University of Foggia partnership since 2001 focuses on Nero di Troia research