THE TERRITORY

In the heart of Irpinia

Le Masciare's vineyards and olive groves are all located within the confines of the province of Avellino, also known as Irpinia. Some 3 hours south of Rome in the outskirts of the Apennines, Irpinia is a green, unspoiled piece of Italy with a diversified terroir.

The soil is generally young and most of the time it rests directly on its pedogenetic substrate, varying from hard and compact rock in some locations to soft clayey and sandy rocks in other parts.

The production areas of the Taurasi DOCG may only be within the boundaries of some towns in Irpinia, including Paternopoli, where our winery is located. The entire DOCG area is limited to just 420 hectares, in which the towns Paternopoli, Castelfranci and Montemarano, at altitudes ranging from 500 tot 650 mt have historically produced the highest quality Taurasi. They not coincidentally are also at the highest elevation of the whole Taurasi DOCG area.

For Fiano di Avellino DOCG there are three main terroir areas where the highest quality Fiano di Avellino is produced: Summonte, Montefredane, and Lapio. Summonte, in the shadow of Montevergine, is at the highest elevation at about 700 meters, and that combined with the limestone lends a heightened acidity and smokier character. Montefredane offers wines with a similar structure but are far less smoky. Given that we prefer the more fruit-forward, aromatic version of Fiano di Avellino, we have decided to have our vineyards in Lapio, and more specifically the Contrada Arianiello area.

Irpinia has a proud tradition of wines of the highest quality, such as Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo and Taurasi, all three classified as DOCG. Irpinia’s terroir offers ideal conditions for these ancient grape varieties, which have been part of the landscape for centuries. The volcanic soil and the large difference in temperature between day and night ensure that the Aglianico and Fiano grapes produce wines that are among the most age-worthy red and white wines of all of Italy.

An important element of Irpinia’s terroir is the climate, which is tempered by its elevation in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. The continental climate here consistently sees snowy winters and risk of spring frost and fall rains. Far from the warm garden that exists along the coast, Irpinia is pre-Alpine.

The climate and indigenous grapes allow for naturally late harvests in October and November. Elevation is key to a problem-free late harvest, which is why our lowest vineyards are at 490mt above sea level. The higher elevation areas are cooler, with wide diurnal temperature shifts that allow even ripening over a long period. The mountains create rain shadows that protect from rain and frost. Vineyards at high elevation are also far from humid valleys and rivers, and thus safe from botrytis and fungi.

For Greco di Tufo DOCG, the top terroir can best be divided into two broad regions, each with distinctive wines: the lower altitude (300-400mt) communes of Tufo and Prata di Principato Ultra produce full-bodied, hard-edged, and mineral wines; the area has soils with high sulfur content. The Sabato River snakes between these communes, increasing humidity and the risk of frost. The communes of Santa Paolina and Montefusco make up the second region. At 500 to 600 meters, they are less affected by the Sabato River. The soils here have more organic content and higher levels of nitrogen. Their wines are rounder and softer, with aromas of sweeter citrus and fleshier fruits. Given that we prefer full-bodied Greco's with a good minerality, but without the hard edge, we have decided to select the highest plot of land in Chianchetelle, for our vineyard, at 620mt above sea level.