Vineyard Views: Montevetrano in Campania, Italy
By: Jameson Fink
Published: May 2, 2012

This dramatic backdrop for a vineyard in the Campania region of Italy is home to the Montevetrano winery, where I visited last year on a press trip sponsored by Winebow.  Our guide was owner Silvia Imparato, who proved to be one of the most engaging, lively, witty, and charming people I've met in the wine business. (Or met, period.) We had to be dragged away from Silvia and Montevetrano.

The food and wine played a role in our reluctance to leave as well. Montevetrano is a modern classic, which our tasting of (many) bottles confirmed. Primarily a Cabernet/Merlot blend with a bit of Aglianico added, it is an age-worthy wine that belongs next to fine Bordeaux and other bottles you would add to your cellar. Make room for it!

Montevetrano also has one of my favorite wine labels. Designed by Silvia's daughter, it is a confluence of art, design, and a touch of whimsical charm to offset the text. I also love that the label design carries over onto the plates we had at lunch:

The red wines of Campania may not have the recognition of Sangiovese-based Brunello from Tuscany, or the famous Nebbiolos of Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco, but getting to taste multiple vintages of Montevetrano makes a strong case for exploring the wines of Italy beyond the familiar favorites. Diversity and discovery are part of the significant charms of Italian wine, and wine in general.