The Irpinia Sannio Wine Collective, representing 111 wineries across 3,000 square meters, will exhibit at the 57th Vinitaly (Veronafiere, April 6-9) within the Campania region’s pavilion. The initiative, spearheaded by the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce and the Irpinia and Sannio wine consortiums, was unveiled at a press conference in Benevento.
This viticultural district produces an average of 35 million bottles annually, with a production value exceeding 120 million euros, accounting for over two-thirds of Campania’s total output. The region boasts approximately 300 vertical enterprises engaged in vinification and bottling of branded products. With nearly 17,000 hectares under vine, Irpinia Sannio represents two-thirds of Campania’s vineyard area. Export figures for 2024 reached nearly 30 million euros, a 7% increase from the previous year, constituting 68% of the region’s total wine exports.
“Our objective is to amplify the business potential of Irpinia Sannio wines, which are rooted in sustainability, biodiversity, and traditional winemaking,” states Girolamo Pettrone, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce. “At Vinitaly, we aim to engage with new Italian and international buyers, leveraging our recognized viticultural quality and the region’s significance as two-thirds of Campania’s vineyard.”
Irpinia Sannio’s Geographical Indications: A Testament to Terroir
Irpinia Sannio is characterized by its esteemed Geographical Indications, both within Italy and internationally, and its unique biodiversity. The region features DOCGs such as Aglianico del Taburno (Sannio), Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino (Irpinia), along with PDOs like Falanghina del Sannio, Sannio DOP, Irpinia DOP, and the Benevento PGI. This dynamic territory is at the forefront of national innovation, driven in part by the significant presence of female entrepreneurs leading agricultural enterprises and modernizing vineyard practices.
Irpinia Sannio Wines: Narratives of Progress
Technological advancements are integral to the growth of Irpinia Sannio’s agricultural sector. Building upon the success of last year’s Vinitaly, the “Stories of the Future” communication project will again highlight wineries exemplifying innovation, identity, history, and entrepreneurial acumen. This initiative, promoted by the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce and curated by Rural Hack, employs traditional and digital media, including collaborations with food influencers, to reach over one million accounts.
Project Dioniso: Precision Viticulture for the Future
Irpinia Sannio’s viticulture is embracing the future through Project Dioniso, led by the Campania Aerospace District (DAC) and the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Irpinia and Sannio Wine Consortiums and the Universities of Naples Federico II and Unisannio. This project aims to advance precision viticulture through the use of drones and sensors for real-time data collection, enabling producers to optimize production, address climate change challenges, reduce technical inputs, improve water management, and implement proactive disease and pathogen management strategies, thereby enhancing environmental and economic sustainability.
Vinitaly Program: Focus on Enotourism and Sustainability
At the 57th Vinitaly, the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Irpinia and Sannio wine consortiums, will address enotourism, sustainability, and digital transformation. The program will feature tastings, guided discussions, and expert talks, all aimed at strengthening the region’s international market presence.
Luciano Pignataro’s Guide: A Comprehensive Resource
To navigate Irpinia Sannio’s burgeoning wine sector, attendees can consult the second edition of the “Guide to Irpinia Sannio Wines,” curated by journalist Luciano Pignataro. This guide will be distributed at Vinitaly and included as a supplement in the Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino.
The Irpinia Wines Protection Consortium
The Consortium “Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia” was established as a voluntary, non-profit association, on the 24th of April 2003 and registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Avellino. Its establishment was promoted by the economic operators involved in the individual production chain with the specific aim of protecting PDO and PGI agri-food products. These products, deemed worthy of special legal protection, are included in specific quality schemes established and regulated by EU legislation, and are listed in the special European Database of PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indications) Products.
Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Irpinia
The Sannio Wines Protection Consortium
Established in 1999, the Sannio Wines Protection Consortium represents nearly 1,300 members, including winegrowers and bottlers. Officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MIPAAF) in 2005, and further reinforced in 2008 and 2016, the Consortium is responsible for the protection, promotion, and supervision of DOCG Aglianico del Taburno, DOC Falanghina del Sannio and Sannio, and IGP Benevento/Beneventano. This recognition is based on its significant representation of local wine producers and certified production, exceeding regulatory thresholds.