Casavecchia’s rediscovery is one of those great Campanian wine stories where chance, tradition, and curiosity intersect.

For much of the 20th century, the grape was nearly forgotten, surviving only in scattered old vines tended by farmers who kept it more out of habit than commercial intent.

Its turning point came when ampelographers and local producers began surveying ancient vineyards in the Alto Casertano area, particularly around Pontelatone, searching for heritage varieties that had slipped out of mainstream cultivation.

In one of these old plots, they found a handful of remarkably vigorous, thick trunked vines, local lore claimed they were more than a century old.

The grape they bore was identified as Casavecchia, a name meaning “old house,” likely referencing the abandoned rural structures near which these vines often grew. Researchers recognised its genetic uniqueness, and winemakers were struck by the intensity and rustic depth of the fruit. That combination of scientific interest and artisanal enthusiasm sparked a revival.

Small producers began propagating cuttings, replanting the variety, and experimenting with vinification. As results improved, Casavecchia gained attention for its bold tannins, dark fruit, and earthy, herbal character, qualities that set it apart from more familiar Campanian reds.

Today, it stands as a symbol of the region’s biodiversity and the value of preserving ancient
vines, rescued from obscurity by a mix of local memory and modern curiosity.

Now available from Campania Wines. Enjoy a taste of history in every sip.