In 1983, photographer Silvia Imparato decided to do something beautiful with her parents' (then) 4 hectare vineyard. She set to work together with a group of fellow wine enthusiasts (mainly Bordeaux enthusiasts). In addition to the local Aglianico grape, Cabernet Sauvignon was also planted, later followed by Merlot.
The first harvest came in 1989. Shortly afterwards, wine writer Robert Parker discovered this unique red wine and wrote it to heaven. The tone was set overnight, Montevetrano had become a superstar overnight. The acreage grew steadily to 6 and then to 11 hectares.
In 1992 Sylvia invited the then 'up-and-coming' oenologist Riccardo Cotarella to help her with that year's harvest. That connection still exists today and Cotarella has since become one of the most important winemakers in Italy. Montevetrano falls under the designation of origin I.G.P. Colli di Salerno and today counts 26 hectares. The grape composition is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Aglianico.
The 'golden blend' of the Montevetrano wine has been awarded the highest award of 'Tre Bicchieri' in the well-known wine guide 'Gambero Rosso' for 23 years.
