From: Castel Campagnano, Campania, Italy
Varietal: 75% Pallagrello Bianco and 25% Fiano
Tasting Notes: This offers a bright and aromatic bouquet of white flowers, green apple, and citrus zest. The palate reveals juicy layers of Bartlett pear, lemon, and hints of tropical fruits, balanced by refreshing acidity. Accents of aromatic herbs and smoky mineral notes give the wine a linear, savory character that reflects its clay-based terroir. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving an impression of finesse and purity, with subtle almond notes adding depth to its complexity.
Pairing: Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent match for seafood and salad options like Insalata di Mare, a mixed seafood salad featuring octopus, shrimp, and mussels, where the wine’s citrus and mineral notes enhance the freshness of the seafood. For a lighter option, Caprese Salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the wine’s crisp pear and tropical fruit flavors. Another great pairing is Gamberi alla Griglia, grilled shrimp drizzled with olive oil and lemon, which brings out the wine’s refreshing acidity and smoky mineral character.
For heartier, traditional options, Spaghetti alle Vongole, a delicate clam pasta in white wine sauce, pairs beautifully with the wine's savory character. Fettuccine Alfredo, with its rich and creamy sauce, contrasts the crisp freshness of the wine, while Pollo al Limone, roasted chicken with lemon, highlights the wine’s zesty and herbal nuances. These combinations make for an exquisite dining experience.
Frutti di Mare Rice Salad
By David Tanis
About. Nestled in the heart of Campania, in the picturesque hamlet of Squille in Castel Campagnano, Selvanova winery embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in the land it calls home. Surrounded by the clayey soils between Mount Taburno, Partenio to the south, and the Matese Massif to the north, the vineyard enjoys a unique microclimate thanks to the cooling influence of the Volturno River. This environment, blessed with cool summers and temperate winters, has been ideal for cultivating vines and olive trees for centuries.
Founded in 1997 by Dr. Antonio Buono, Selvanova was once a buffalo farm before transforming into a multifaceted estate where agriculture and viticulture harmoniously coexist. Spanning over 100 acres, with 25 dedicated to vines, the property also presses its own olive oil, produces cheese from the animals it raises, and grows various fruits and vegetables, making it a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Since 2018, Selvanova has flourished under the ownership of Gesco, a prominent social enterprise group from Campania. Gesco, known for its work in social-health services and sustainable business practices, saw the ethical potential of the winery and invested in the project. The goal: to preserve the integrity of the land and its produce, minimizing human intervention to allow nature to continue its ancient work undisturbed. This approach, rooted in sustainable and healthy viticulture, aligns with Gesco’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
The vineyard park at Selvanova comprises 10 hectares, all gently sloping towards the Volturno river. Divided into five distinct plots, the vineyards offer varied exposures and altitudes, creating ideal conditions for cultivating some of Campania’s most iconic grape varieties. Pallagrello Bianco and Pallagrello Nero, two of the region’s most distinctive native varieties, thrive here alongside Aglianico and Fiano, which have long been emblematic of Campania’s rich viticultural heritage. These grape varieties reflect both the history and future of Campanian winemaking, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
This Terre del Volturno IGT is a blend of 75% Pallagrello Bianco and 25% Fiano, produced from certified organic vineyards nestled along the slopes of Selvanova’s estate. The vineyard’s clay-based soils and unique microclimate, shaped by the nearby Volturno River, allow for cool summers and mild winters, creating ideal conditions for ripening. Hand-harvested in late September, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks without the addition of commercial yeasts. Fermentation lasts approximately 21 days, followed by six months of aging on fine lees in stainless steel. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural expression and purity. Only 7,000 bottles are produced, showcasing the essence of Campania's terroir.