The generational transition brings new responsibilities and investments to the Varvaglione family. With Marzia, Angelo, and Francesca working alongside their parents Cosimo and Maria Teresa, the Taranto-based winery is looking to the future through the acquisition of Casino Nitti, research at the Biodiversity Vineyard, and the launch of CÀ, a classic-method Fiano dedicated to little Carlotta.
The Generational Transition
Believing in the value of one’s homeland, in the strength of family, and in the growth of the local community. These are the core values that have been passed down from generation to generation in the Varvaglione. The Taranto-based winery is a dynamic winery that combines strategic vision and innovation. Despite the challenging situation facing the entire wine industry.
The generational transition is underway. Cosimo and Maria Teresa are delegating responsibilities and leadership roles to their their children Marzia, Angelo, and Francesca—known as Chicca— while continuing to support them. Marzia oversees business development and is the first woman. As well as the first representative from the Taranto region—to be appointed president of the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins. Angelo oversees agronomy, sustainability, and research and development. Francesca works alongside her father as an oenologist.
Change has brought with it new developments and investments. The company announced the acquisition of the Casino Nitti estate in Marina di Lizzano (TA), home to the Biodiversity Vineyard. It also announced the launch of CÀ, a classic method sparkling wine dedicated to little Carlotta, Marzia’s daughter, born from the joint efforts of the three brothers.
Casino Nitti: A Blend of Research and Hospitality
For the Varvaglione family, Casino Nitti represents both a challenge and an opportunity that align with the company’s DNA. Built in the 16th century, this historic hunting lodge was once owned by Prime Minister Francesco Saverio Nitti. And, later, by Claudio Quarta. Nestled amid 80 hectares of olive groves and vineyards. The estate is home to a state-of-the-art viticultural research center and has everything it takes to become a new benchmark for experiential tourism and local hospitality.
Biodiversity as a Laboratory
The Biodiversity Vineyard is the tangible embodiment of research, study, and innovation in the field. An open-air laboratory that preserves over 500 varieties of lesser-known grapevines. With a particular focus on cultivars of Caucasian and Mediterranean origin. The goal is to study the adaptability of rare plants to the climate changes affecting the Mediterranean region, to identify new rootstocks, and to safeguard ancient varieties from the risk of extinction. Research follows an experimental and sustainable approach, based on precision agriculture and soil regeneration, with the support of researchers from the University of Milan and the University of Salento.
“Within this scope, sustainability means taking concrete action —says Angelo Varvaglione. Thanks to the adoption of organic practices such as the use of microalgae and microorganisms for natural soil nutrition. Inside, the following are used. Weather stations and advanced sensor systems capable of continuously monitoring air and soil moisture, rainfall, leaf wetness, temperature, and wind direction and intensity. All this data is processed by a predictive algorithm that makes it possible to predict the potential development of major grapevine diseases. By intervening only when necessary—and thus reducing the number of treatments, the use of plant protection products and water, tractor operating hours, and soil compaction”—.
CÀ: The Family’s Traditional Method
CÀ is a classic-method. 100% Fiano wine that rounds out the collection of labels dedicated by Cosimo and Maria Teresa to each member of the family. The grapes come from the Masseria Pizzariello cru, in the Campo Freddo district. Marked temperature variation between day and night lends them freshness and aromatic intensity. The result is a glass with a fine, persistent perlage, heralding a harmonious, deep, and complex taste.
