Fosso degli Angeli “Pezza”

Sannio Piedirosso, ITALY |  2020

The fertile soils of Campania, in southern Italy, have been highly prized since the days of the ancient Greeks. While Campania is famous for its agricultural products, such as San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala, the notoriety of its wines isn’t what it deserves to be.

We love championing these types of unheralded regions. So much so that I made it a priority in my 2022 travels to go to Campania, visiting a wide range of producers, all in an attempt to find out what really is going on in the region.

One of the highlights of my trip was my visit with Marenza Pengue of Fosso degli Angeli, in the Sannio Beneventano. With her sister Dina and brother-in-law Pasquale, they farm 7 hectares of vineyards and 10 of olives. The vineyards are mostly on calcareous clay soils at an average height of about 450 meters above sea level. The family has been farming for three generations, although they didn’t start producing their own wines until 2009. They proudly farm organically, and in the small winery they work with natural yeast and low levels of sulfur dioxide.

I waited for warmer weather to introduce this wine to you. Here is a red that is truly perfect for those BBQ or pizza days al fresco!

Piedirosso is a variety indigenous to Campania. It is more widely known in the appellation called Campi Flegrei, near Naples. This version, coming from cooler-climate Sannio, lends itself to an even fresher, more elegant version. The juice spends 20 days macerating with the skins in stainless steel tanks. It ages in tank for six months, before another six-month resting period in bottle.

Beautiful aromas of fig, cherry, and spice on the nose. Elegant and fresh on the palate, with a continuation of red fruit, and soft tannins. Put a slight chill on this delicious wine. Only 1,800 bottles were produced, and you won't find this anywhere else in the United States!