Collection: Rocca del Principe
History Rocca del Principe was founded in 2004 by the husband-and-wife team of Ercole Zarrella and Aurelia Fabrizio, along with Ercole's brother Antonio, in the hills of Lapio within the Fiano di Avellino appellation of Campania, Italy. The Zarrella family has longstanding ties to agriculture and winemaking in the Arianello area of Lapio, though previous generations focused on local production. Ercole, drawing on this heritage, revived the legacy by establishing the estate as a beacon for Irpinia's viticultural potential, benefiting from the cooling influence of the Picentini mountains. Under Aurelia's guidance, the winery has prioritized quality, producing approximately 40,000 bottles annually. The estate marked its 20th anniversary in 2024 with a vertical tasting of its flagship Fiano di Avellino Tognano cru, spanning vintages from 2007 to 2022.
Viticulture Philosophy The estate's vineyards are situated on the hills of Lapio, emphasizing low-production viticulture to achieve higher quality in the cellar. This approach focuses on balanced practices, including early harvests to ensure freshness and finesse, particularly in challenging vintages. The philosophy centers on typicity and the unique terroir of Lapio's micro-areas, with a deep respect for the environment through sustainable and innovative projects. The winery continually studies and improves its plants and vineyards, prioritizing artisanal production that enhances territorial expression without increasing quantity.
Winemaking Techniques Rocca del Principe employs meticulous, terroir-driven techniques to highlight the aromatic breadth and mineral nuances of native varieties like Fiano. Grapes are hand-harvested from select cru sites, such as Tognano, with vinification emphasizing purity and subtlety. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by aging on lees in neutral oak or concrete to preserve vibrancy and structure. Minimal intervention avoids excessive oak influence, resulting in wines that showcase substantial depth, compelling nuances, and elegant balance, bottled unfined to retain authenticity.
Critics and Journalist Praises Rocca del Principe has garnered immediate acclaim for its Fiano di Avellino, earning three Bicchieri awards from Gambero Rosso and being named Up-and-Coming Winery of the Year in 2009. Critics praise the wines' sheer breadth of aromatics, minerals, and nuances, with the Tognano cru lauded for its typicity and finesse. The 2024 vertical tasting highlighted consistent excellence across vintages, underscoring the estate's role in elevating Irpinia's reputation. Journalists commend the family's dedication to quality and innovation, positioning Rocca del Principe as a reference for Campania's indigenous whites.
