Region: Campania, Italy

Varietal: 100% Casavecchia

Tasting Notes: The 2018 ‘Trifolium’ shows off Casavecchia’s unique personality with bold aromatics of black cherry, wild herbs, and cracked pepper layered over earthy undertones. On the palate, it’s muscular yet balanced, with firm tannins and a dark, savory core that unfolds with notes of tobacco leaf, dried thyme, and iron-rich minerality. The finish is long and rustic in the best sense—grippy, spicy, and deeply evocative of its volcanic terroir. A compelling wine for adventurous palates and a natural match for hearty, slow-cooked fare.

Producer: The Alois family has played a central role in reviving some of Campania’s most ancient and endangered grape varieties. Based in the foothills of the Caiatini Mountains near Caserta, the estate is best known for its work with Casavecchia, a nearly extinct grape that was rediscovered and brought back to life through Alois’ pioneering efforts. ‘Trifolium’ takes its name from the Latin word for clover, reflecting the winery’s focus on biodiversity and sustainable farming. By combining deep regional roots with modern winemaking precision, Alois has positioned itself as a standard-bearer for high-quality, terroir-driven wines in southern Italy.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The estate’s vineyards lie within the Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC, where volcanic and clay-rich soils provide a strong mineral backbone to the wines. Farmed organically, the vines benefit from cool breezes off the nearby Apennines, helping to preserve acidity in this naturally powerful grape. For the ‘Trifolium’ bottling, Alois harvests the fruit at optimal ripeness and employs stainless steel fermentation to highlight the purity of the variety. Aging takes place in a combination of neutral barrels and steel tanks, allowing the wine to develop structure and polish without masking its distinctive, rustic charm.