Greco Janare by La Guardiense is one of the labels of the largest producers’ cooperative in Central-Southern Italy. Founded in 1960 by 33 far-sighted and courageous members, today La Guardiense counts around one thousand growers: all farmers who directly cultivate more than 1,500 hectares of hillside vineyards (at around 350 meters above sea level), with an average annual production of 200,000 quintals of grapes. Great attention to environmental sustainability has always been a priority, practiced through integrated pest management in the vineyards and the use of renewable energy generated by its own impressive photovoltaic system. (Speaking of facilities, the cooperative owns one of the largest sparkling wine production plants in Southern Italy.) The winemaking direction is entrusted to the duo Marco Giulioli, in-house oenologist, and Riccardo Cotarella, external consultant. This Greco is part of the Janare line: “in Sannio, the janare are witches, mythical figures of rural civilization and culture that allude to the strong and indomitable character of the women of this land.” The vineyards are rooted in calcareous-clay soils at an altitude between 300 and 350 meters. The grapes are harvested in the second half of September, cryomacerated in reduction, gently pressed and vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperature; the brief aging also takes place in steel, and the wine is bottled in March following the harvest.

GRECO JANARE LA GUARDIENSE: TASTING NOTES

The Greco by La Guardiense shows an intense straw yellow color. On the nose it reveals acacia flowers, aromatic herbs, yellow peach and an enveloping flinty minerality; on the palate it is fresh and savory, with great balance. Delicious with marinated trout carpaccio!