In the hills that separate the Volturno plain from Monte Maggiore, we discovered one of the most distinctive reds of the Caserta area. Casavecchia is a grape that came close to disappearing and today gives its name to a small DOC. Here is where it comes from and how to enjoy it.
The production area
The Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC covers eight municipalities in the province of Caserta, north of the provincial capital, on the hills between the Volturno and the Monte Maggiore massif. The whole territory of Liberi and Formicola is included, together with part of Pontelatone, Caiazzo, Castel di Sasso, Castel Campagnano, Piana di Monte Verna and Ruviano. It is a landscape of stone villages, olive groves and woods, where vineyards alternate with countryside that is still very authentic.
Grape and types
The production rules require at least 85% Casavecchia, with any balance from other non-aromatic red grapes. There are two types:
- Rosso, with compulsory ageing of two years, at least one of them in wood;
- Riserva, with at least three years of ageing, 18 months of them in wood.
There are no sub-zones. The result is a structured wine, rich in colour and tannin, with moderate acidity: a red that needs time and evolves well in the bottle.
The story of a rediscovered grape
The story of Casavecchia is almost a local legend. According to tradition, also recorded in the production rules, in the early 20th century a farmer in Pontelatone found an ancient vine among the remains of a ruined building, with a trunk at least 40 centimetres across. From that plant the grape is said to have spread to the neighbouring villages, and its name is thought to come from the dialect expression used for "the grape from that old house" (casa vecchia).
For decades Casavecchia remained a wine for family consumption. Its revival came with the appellation, recognised by decree of 8 November 2011: one of the youngest DOCs in Campania.
Food pairings
The structure of Casavecchia calls for substantial dishes: we have enjoyed it with grilled red meat, lamb and mature cheeses. The Riserva goes well with braised meats and game, while the younger red matches cured meats and the ragù pasta dishes of Caserta cooking.
In the Caserta area the appellations are overseen by the Consorzio di tutela VITICA, recognised by the Ministry, as reported in the Campania Region's Guida Catalogo 2024.
Where to taste it and what is nearby
The best-known village in the area is Caiazzo, with its historic centre and the castle overlooking the Volturno valley: we write about it in The village of Caiazzo. Heading down towards the plain you reach Capua, with The Museo Provinciale Campano in Capua and, a short distance away, The Basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis. If you want a wider view, you will find all the province's appellations in The wines of Caserta, together with Terre del Volturno IGT, the geographical indication that also covers this area.
To build an itinerary through the region's wineries we recommend The wines of Campania, and to round off the trip Caserta and its surroundings.
Sources: Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC production rules; MASAF, lists and production rules for DOP and IGP wines; Campania Region with AIS Campania, Guida Catalogo 2024 of the wine-growing and wine-making companies of Campania.
Photo at the top (Pontelatone): DamianSadurski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.