Is it due to the volcanic soils? Or perhaps the long, hot summers? We cannot say for certain; but from the south of Italy comes the warm and inviting Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva, a red wine crafted by the Feudi di San Gregorio winery, under the D.O.C.G. Fiano di Avelino in Sorbo Serpico (Campania).
This region, located at the foothills of the Apennines, is traditionally known as Irpina, a place brimming with nuances and a variety of crops. Here, vineyards have found their place since Roman times, representing a living history of a tradition that continues to thrive today. This is partly thanks to companies like Feudi di San Gregorio, which are dedicated to reviving these expressions and vinification methods. From this philosophy emerges Selezioni, a collection of wines from this winery, including Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva.
The cornerstone of this entire story is the fiano, a typical variety from southern Italy, known for its low yields and its perfect adaptation to the volcanic and clay-limestone soils found in this area. Here, at the foot of the Apennines, this winery owns the Pietracalda plot, spanning 8 hectares planted between 400 and 700 metres above sea level. This altitude will inevitably affect the vines, as temperatures become much more extreme (both in summer and winter), influencing the ripening of the grape clusters.
After the harvest, Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva arrives at the winery and undergoes gentle pressing to obtain the must. From there, the juice of Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva is transferred to stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation begins. Once this process is complete, Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva remains in these same tanks for ageing, lasting between 4 and 5 months. During this period, Feudi di San Gregorio Pietracalda Riserva stays in contact with its lees (the dead yeast cells) and undergoes periodic batonnage and stirring.