Torrevento

The story of Torrevento begins in 1913, when Francesco Liantonio established the estate in what is now the Castel del Monte DOC zone of Apulia. The Liantonio family made a defining investment in 1948, purchasing a 17th-century Benedictine monastery with 57 hectares of land. Torrevento Srl was formally incorporated in 1989, giving institutional form to a winemaking project that had already been developing for decades. The name itself, meaning 'Tower of the Wind,' reflects the constant Adriatic breezes that define the microclimate of this elevated plateau. Grapes have been cultivated in this area for over 600 years, and Torrevento's work sits squarely within that long agricultural tradition.

• Founded 1913 by Francesco Liantonio; remains family-owned by the Liantonio family
• 17th-century Benedictine monastery purchased in 1948, forming the heart of the estate
• Torrevento Srl formally established 1989
• 'Torrevento' translates as 'Tower of the Wind,' a reference to the Adriatic winds across the plateau

The estate sits within the Alta Murgia National Park at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castel del Monte, with vineyards ranging from 400 to 600 metres above sea level. This elevation, combined with a Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and relatively cold winters, gives the wines a freshness uncommon for Apulia. Constant winds off the Adriatic Sea regulate temperatures and help maintain vine health. The soils are stony karst formations with calcareous and rocky composition, historically contained by granite stone walls. These well-drained, mineral-rich soils are well suited to the native varieties that form the backbone of the portfolio.

• Elevation: 400-600 metres above sea level within Alta Murgia National Park
• Soils: stony karst with calcareous and rocky composition, bounded by granite stone walls
• Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and relatively cold winters
• Constant Adriatic winds moderate temperatures and reduce disease pressure

Torrevento grows an extensive range of varieties across its 500-550 hectares, with a clear focus on native Apulian grapes. Nero di Troia is the flagship, and the estate made history in 1992 by presenting Vigna Pedale as the first 100% Nero di Troia wine produced in Apulia. Beyond this cornerstone variety, the portfolio includes Bombino Nero, Bombino Bianco, Aglianico, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Moscato, Malvasia Nera, Verdeca, Minutolo, Malvasia, Falanghina, Montepulciano, and Pampanuto. International varieties Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown. The range spans red, white, rosé, orange, sparkling, and sweet styles, produced under DOC Castel del Monte, DOCG Castel del Monte Riserva, and IGT Primitivo designations.

• Nero di Troia is the flagship variety; Vigna Pedale was the first 100% Nero di Troia in Apulia (1992)
• Portfolio covers red, white, rosé, orange, sparkling, and sweet wine styles
• Wines classified under DOC Castel del Monte, DOCG Castel del Monte Riserva, and IGT Primitivo
• Sustainable agriculture practices observed across all vineyards; Equalitas organic certification held

Torrevento has accumulated significant critical recognition for both wine quality and environmental practice. The estate received Gambero Rosso's Award for Sustainable Viticulture in 2019, reflecting its long-term commitment to organic farming and certification to Equalitas, IFS Food, and CSQA standards. The flagship Vigna Pedale and the Bolonero bottling have each earned multiple Three Glasses awards from Gambero Rosso, Italy's most recognised wine guide. These accolades have been central to establishing Castel del Monte's reputation on the international stage and bringing broader attention to Nero di Troia as a world-class indigenous variety.

• Gambero Rosso Award for Sustainable Viticulture, 2019
• Multiple Three Glasses awards for both Vigna Pedale and Bolonero
• Certifications: Equalitas organic, IFS Food, CSQA
• Instrumental in raising international awareness of Nero di Troia and Castel del Monte DOC