Campania has long been linked with Aglianico - and for good reason - but the region is also home to some of the very best Italian white varietals, including Fiano, Greco, and Coda di Volpe. And it is Raffaele Troisi of Traerte (formerly known as Vadiaperti) that is helping to draw the spotlight to these grapes through his spectacular, single-varietal wines.
From a family of winemakers that has championed the wines of Irpinia since the end of the 19th century, Raffaele took the reins at Traerte in 1998 and is widely regarded as one of the most talented winemakers in Campania, if not all of Italy. Known as the master of Coda di Volpe, which is an unsung but incredibly ageworthy grape whose name translates to “tail of the fox,” Raffaele honors Irpinia’s indigenous varietals and its exceptional soils with his wines. That Traerte has only ever bottled single-varietal wines helps to showcase the magic of his vineyards.
Respecting of tradition and practicing organic farming, Raffaele forgoes the use of oak in his white wines to craft mineral-driven, balanced wines full of finesse and vibrancy from his 25-50 year old vines, which are planted 1200-2100 ft above sea level. Unique in their textural depth, complexity, and purity, the wines of Traerte are true to their terroir and some of the very best in Italy.