Montevetrano Colli di Salerno embodies the essence of Silvia Imperatore’s journey from a trained photographer to a revered figure in the wine world. What began as a chance encounter at a wine tasting event in Rome in the early 1980s ignited a passion within her to create exceptional wines. In 1985, she established the Montevetrano Winery in the picturesque district of Montevetrano, nestled within the municipality of San Cipriano Picentino, Salerno. Influenced by the illustrious wines of Bordeaux, Silvia was determined to harness the richness of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by a hint of Aglianico, in her pursuit to craft a wine that could rival the iconic Super Tuscans of Bolgheri and Sassicaia in Tuscany.

Nestled within a sprawling 26-hectare estate, with 5 hectares dedicated solely to vine cultivation, the winery occupies a former Bourbon estate surrounded by lush oaks, chestnut, hazelnut trees, and vibrant citrus and olive groves. Situated at an elevation of 100 metres above sea level, the vineyard benefits from a south-facing slope, gravelly soil, and the proximity of just 2 kilometres to the sea, providing a cooling influence during the hot summers.

In 1991, Imperatore produced her inaugural vintage of 1000 bottles, which yielded encouraging results, prompting her to enlist the expertise of Riccardo Cotarella for the 1992 vintage. Subsequently, her wines garnered critical acclaim when Robert Parker, renowned wine critic, likened them to the “Sassacaia of the south,” catapulting Montevetrano wines onto the international stage. Montevetrano Colli di Salerno has earned numerous prestigious awards and widespread acclaim such as 97 points from James Suckling, 95 points from Wine Spectator, 93 points from Wine Advocate and the prestigious recognition of 3 glasses from Gambero Rosso.

The winemaking process at Montevetrano is meticulous, with grape varieties manually harvested separately to account for variations in ripening times. This attention to detail ensures the creation of a harmonious final blend following fermentation. The grapes undergo a gentle crushing-destemming process, followed by a prolonged skin maceration lasting 20 days and fermentation in stainless steel tanks and matures for 14 months in new 225L French oak barriques sourced from Nevers, Allier, and Tronçais. After an additional 6 months of bottle ageing, the wine attains its zenith, ready for unveiling.

Montevetrano Colli di Salerno epitomises a blend comprising 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 30% Aglianico grapes. Within the glass, it exudes a resplendent ruby-red hue, evoking alluring aromas of berries, violets, tobacco, aromatic herbs, and sweet spices. On the palate, it presents a savoury and velvety texture, underscored by enduring tannins, culminating in an enduring finish. This wine serves as the perfect accompaniment to first or second courses featuring meat or game, enriching culinary endeavours with its grace and complexity.