I Pentri Kerres Piedirosso Beneventano IGT, Campania, Italy

Bright red berries, crushed cherry, and violet lift open the 2020 I Pentri Kerres Piedirosso Beneventano IGT with immediacy and clarity. Built from hillside fruit and guided by a low-intervention philosophy, this bottling presents Piedirosso in a more serious, structured light than many expect, shaped by altitude, careful farming, and patient élevage. It stands as a confident expression of I Pentri’s family-led vision, rooted in respect for native grapes and a deep connection to their land.

Product Details:

• Owners & Winemakers: Dionisio Meola and Lia Falato
• Consulting Winemaker: Alessandro Meola
• Varietal: Piedirosso
• ABV: 14%
• Farming: No herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers
• Vine Training: Guyot
• Soils: Calcareous clay and sandstone
• Elevation: Approximately 300–600 meters
• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
• Aging: Approximately 12 months in French oak barrels

Sensory Description:

Aromas of ripe cherry, wild strawberry, and red currant lead, followed by violet, subtle spice, and a faint balsamic herbal note. On the palate, fresh red fruit is framed by lively acidity and finely etched tannins that provide structure without heaviness. Mineral tones reminiscent of wet stone emerge alongside dried herbs and a touch of clove through the mid-palate. Compared to softer, more immediately fruity expressions of Piedirosso, this wine shows greater tension and definition, finishing clean and savory with lingering floral and spice-driven persistence.

Winemaker's Background:

I Pentri is a small, family-run estate founded by Dionisio Meola and Lia Falato to restore depth and credibility to the native varieties of inland Campania. Inspired by the ancient Samnite heritage of the area, the family farms their vineyards with a strong emphasis on manual work, sustainability, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Today, their son Alessandro Meola works alongside them, contributing to vineyard and cellar operations and reinforcing the continuity of a hands-on, generational approach. The Kerres Piedirosso has become one of the estate’s defining wines, widely recognized in local Italian press for demonstrating the grape’s capacity for balance, structure, and expressive nuance.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly cool, around 60–64°F, to emphasize freshness and aromatic lift. This Piedirosso pairs naturally with roasted pork, lamb, and braised meats, as well as tomato-based pastas, grilled vegetables, and aged sheep’s milk cheeses. Its acidity and moderate tannins also make it an excellent partner for mushroom-forward dishes and herb-driven cuisine.