The historic heart of Campania Felix
Ancient origins and winemaking heritage
Alta Campania stands as the most authentic testament to the historic “Campania Felix,” one of the most fertile and celebrated regions of ancient Rome. Along the upper and middle reaches of the Volturno River, between the Tifatini and Trebulani Mountains, generations of winegrowers have successively transformed this land into a melting pot of innovation and tradition. From the vines tended by Roman legionaries to the cellars of the Bourbon period, and through the enological renaissance of the 1980s, the winemaking history of this area unfolds as a journey through timeless styles, techniques, and passion.
In recent decades, producers such as Alois have carried forward this legacy, combining academic research with sustainable farming practices to restore Alta Campania to the prominent place it deserves on the international wine stage.
Unique terroir and climate
Volcanic soils and alluvial deposits
The uniqueness of Alta Campania lies in its extraordinary soil diversity: within a relatively compact area, volcanic soils—rich in minerals from the ancient eruptions of the Roccamonfina volcanic massif—alternate with alluvial deposits carried by the Volturno River over millennia. These composite formations create a mosaic of terroirs that impart depth, complexity, and an unmistakable mineral signature to the wines.
Diurnal temperature variations and sun exposure
At altitudes ranging from 200 to 600 meters above sea level, the vines benefit from significant diurnal temperature shifts: cool nights help the grapes retain acidity and freshness, while sunny days promote optimal polyphenol development. South‑southeast exposure maximizes sunlight intake while maintaining a microclimate that preserves fruit and floral aromas.
Outstanding indigenous grape varieties
Casavecchia: the return of a giant
Casavecchia, a historic grape variety of Alta Campania, has been revived thanks to ampelographic research and experimental plantings led by Alois and other producers. With its imposing structure, aromas of ripe red fruits, earthy notes, tobacco and a subtle hint of dark chocolate, Casavecchia demonstrates extraordinary longevity. Gentle extraction methods and medium‑sized oak barrel aging preserve its complexity and encourage captivating olfactory evolution for years.
Pallagrello Bianco
Il Pallagrello Bianco è uno dei fiori all’occhiello dell’Alta Campania: varietà riscoperta negli anni ’80, offre un profilo aromatico complesso con sentori di frutta a polpa bianca (pesca, pera), fiori bianchi (gelsomino, biancospino) e accenti di mandorla e erbe aromatiche. In bocca si distingue per l’equilibrio tra corpo e freschezza, risultando ideale in abbinamento a piatti di pesce, crostacei e formaggi a pasta molle.
Pallagrello Nero
Pallagrello Bianco is one of Alta Campania’s flagship varieties: rediscovered in the 1980s, it offers a complex aromatic profile of white‑fleshed fruit (peach, pear), white flowers (jasmine, hawthorn) and hints of almond and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it stands out for its balance of body and freshness, making it ideal with fish, shellfish and soft‑cheese dishes.
DOP and IGP denominations in the Alta Campania area
Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC
A designation dedicated to the Casavecchia grape grown on the Pontelatone plain, known for its clay‑limestone soils that lend structure and longevity to the wines.
Galluccio DOC
Characterized by volcanic soils and high altitudes, the Galluccio DOC is renowned for robust red wines based on Aglianico and Pallagrello Rosso, as well as mineral-driven whites from Falanghina and Pallagrello Bianco.
Falerno del Massico DOC
With roots dating back to Roman times, the Falerno del Massico DOC produces wines of great depth and longevity, thanks to its temperate climate and volcanic soils.
Asprinio di Aversa DOC
Asprinio, made using the classic method, delivers fine bubbles and pronounced minerality, thanks to vines trained as high pergolas along the Volturno’s banks.
Terre del Volturno IGP
An IGP dedicated to grapes grown along the Volturno Valley, highlighting the river’s influence on alluvial soils and the area’s climatic balance.
The winegrowing community
In the heart of Alta Campania, over thirty wineries collaborate to celebrate the region’s richness and the biodiversity of its native grape varieties. Partnerships between producers, local associations and research institutes foster a shared approach that marries tradition with innovation, safeguarding the landscape and promoting sustainable growth.
This network regularly hosts events, tastings and wine‑tourism itineraries, offering authentic experiences amid vineyards, olive groves and historic villages. Alois’s scientific and operational contributions further enrich the dialogue among producers without overshadowing the wider community.
Ongoing: the three‑year zonation project
The Alta Campania viticultural zonation project, led by a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, geologists, and historians, aims to divide the region into homogeneous crus. Its goal is to identify the best cultivation areas for each grape variety, optimizing viticultural practices and territorial marketing strategies. In the coming months, the first pedoclimatic analysis results will be published, and workshops open to the scientific community and producers will be held.
Update
The Anteprima Casavecchia e Pontelatone took place on January 23rd and 24th, 2026, bringing the spotlight to the flagship grape varieties of Alta Campania. Producers, journalists and wine professionals gathered for tastings and in-depth discussions, offering a shared perspective on the new vintages and on the ongoing qualitative evolution of Casavecchia and Pallagrello.
Update
On July 18, 2025, at the Eremo di San Vitaliano in Casertavecchia, the first public meeting of the Alta Campania viticultural zonation project took place, with the participation of scholars, producers, and institutions.
