Monte di Grazia

Heroic Winemaking Tradition

The Amalfi Coast, much like its neighbor Cinque Terre, is known for its limited wine production, where winemakers practice what is known as "heroic agriculture." This term reflects the challenging conditions of the region, characterized by steep, terraced vineyards that only the most dedicated farmers would cultivate. In the picturesque town of Tramonti, the Monte di Grazia vineyards thrive with ancient varietals that have survived phylloxera attacks, thanks to the volcanic soils that protect their over-century-old rootstocks. Without the dedicated efforts of Arpino, many of these unique vines would have been lost to time, depriving wine enthusiasts of their rich flavors.

At Monte di Grazia, rare local varieties like Tintore are cultivated ungrafted, preserving their authenticity. The winery employs traditional methods, such as grafting native varieties onto wild cuttings to prevent extinction. The vineyards utilize the pergola tramontina system, supported by locally sourced chestnut poles, allowing the vines to flourish naturally.

Tramonti's Unique Microclimate and Terroir

Monte di Grazia encompasses five small vineyards across 2.5 hectares in the mountainous terrain of Tramonti. The vertical layout and challenging geography necessitate manual grape harvesting, ensuring that each grape is carefully selected. The vineyards benefit from the libeccio winds and the cooling breezes from the sea, creating a unique microclimate. Ranging from 200 to 676 meters above sea level, the vineyards experience significant temperature variations, contributing to the diverse flora, including sfumato lemons, chestnuts, and piennolo tomatoes.

Meticulous Winemaking Process

The dedication in the vineyard is mirrored in the cellar, where Arpino collaborates with renowned oenologist Gerardo Vernazzaro of Cantine Astroni. Each year, Monte di Grazia produces a limited number of bottles, with only about 6,200 produced annually. The vineyard features a mix of varietals, including Tintore, Piedirosso, Ginestra, Pepella, and Biancatenera, all cultivated organically. With 60% of the vines being ungrafted and over 100 years old, Monte di Grazia stands as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of Campania.