Restoring the Riviera of Ulysses
Agricola D'Ausilio is the family-run organic winery of Raffaele Pirozzi and the Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family, nestled in the heart of the Fondi Plain on the legendary Riviera of Ulysses in southern Lazio. It is a project of restoration and rebirth — a challenge to return viticulture to lands that once produced the most prized wines of the Roman Empire, only to be abandoned at the beginning of the last century in favor of more profitable crops. Founded in 2011, the estate combines ancient farming traditions with modern regenerative sustainable agriculture, guided by a deep respect for nature and an unwavering commitment to letting the coastal terroir speak through the wine. Raffaele Pirozzi is not merely a winemaker; he is a custodian of history, a passionate viticulturist who cultivates with devotion, guiding the plants toward their natural balance to produce grapes of extraordinary quality. The result is a small but authentic range of natural wines — around 20,000 bottles annually — that capture the distinct minerality, freshness, and saline character of a terroir where the sea meets the mountains just a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast.
History, Restoration & Coastal Conviction
The story of Agricola D'Ausilio is a story of restoration — of a family's determination to revive a viticultural heritage that stretches back to the times of Ancient Rome, when the Riviera of Ulysses produced the most prized wines of the Empire. Raffaele Pirozzi is the heart and soul of the estate — a passionate viticulturist and winemaker who, together with his family, has dedicated his life to returning vineyards to lands that had been forgotten for nearly a century. He is not merely a producer; he is a custodian of history, a steward of the Fondi Plain, and a believer in the power of organic, regenerative agriculture to reveal the true character of a coastal terroir that once defined the pinnacle of Roman viticulture.
The estate is located in the municipality of Fondi, in the province of Latina, in the southern reaches of Lazio — an area known as the Riviera of Ulysses, a landscape of extraordinary beauty where the Tyrrhenian Sea meets the foothills of the Aurunci Mountains. From the coastal dunes to the foot of the mountains, just a few kilometers from the sea, the vine once dominated this landscape entirely — a testament to the region's extraordinary viticultural potential. Yet at the beginning of the last century, these ancient vineyards were supplanted by other, more profitable crops, and the winemaking tradition that had defined the area for millennia was all but lost. The Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family's challenge is to restore this legacy — to replant, to nurture, and to prove that the wines of the Riviera of Ulysses deserve their place among Italy's most distinctive coastal terroirs.
Founded in 2011, Agricola D'Ausilio is a young estate with ancient roots. The family's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a commitment to combining ancient farming traditions with modern regenerative sustainable agriculture methods. They believe in enhancing and narrating the uniqueness of this terroir — in producing wines that embody the essence of the Fondi Plain, the sea breezes, the mountain winds, and the distinct minerality that defines the coastal wines of southern Lazio. This philosophy extends from the vineyard to the cellar: organic farming practices that nurture biodiversity and soil health; composting and cover crops to maintain the living ecosystem; and hands-off winemaking techniques that allow the wine to develop its own character without forced intervention. For Raffaele, the wine is not a product to be manufactured but a living expression of the land, the season, and the grape — a reflection of the dialogue between nature, history, and human care.
Today, Agricola D'Ausilio is recognized as one of the most exciting emerging producers in the Lazio natural wine scene — a winery that has earned the attention of natural wine enthusiasts, critics, and fellow producers who understand that the Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family's work represents something rare: a fusion of historical restoration, organic viticulture, and an unwavering commitment to letting the coastal terroir of the Riviera of Ulysses speak with its own voice. The estate has been featured by The Grape Reset, RAW WINE, Vivino, and a growing network of international importers and retailers who seek out wines of authenticity and place. Raffaele's wines are not merely beverages; they are stories — stories of a family, a plain, a sea breeze that carries the memory of Roman vineyards, and a sun that shines with an intensity found nowhere else on the Italian coast.
"We cultivate our vineyards with passion, guiding the plants towards their natural balance, to produce grapes of great quality."
— Raffaele Pirozzi, Winemaker and Owner
Riviera of Ulysses & Sea-Kissed Soils
Agricola D'Ausilio's vineyards are located in the Fondi Plain, in the municipality of Fondi, province of Latina, southern Lazio — a region of extraordinary viticultural character known as the Riviera of Ulysses, where the landscape stretches from coastal dunes to the foothills of the Aurunci Mountains, just a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This unique geography, with its proximity to the sea and the sheltering presence of the mountains, creates a microclimate of remarkable balance and distinctiveness — one that imparts a clear minerality, freshness, and saline character to the wines that has been recognized since antiquity. The area's viticultural history stretches back to Ancient Rome, when these lands produced the most prized wines of the Empire, and the Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family's mission is to restore this legacy through organic, regenerative agriculture.
The terroir is shaped by the coastal proximity and the mountain shelter that define the Riviera of Ulysses. The sea breezes — warm, humid air from the Tyrrhenian that meets cooler mountain winds descending from the Aurunci — create a constant air movement that keeps the vines healthy, reduces humidity-related diseases, and imparts a distinct saline freshness to the wines. The soils are a mix of coastal alluvial deposits and mountain foothill compositions, rich in minerals and well-drained, forcing the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. This struggle produces grapes of greater concentration and complexity, while the maritime influence ensures that acidity and freshness are preserved even in the warm, sunny climate of southern Lazio. The result is a terroir of remarkable balance: warm days that allow for full phenolic ripeness, cool nights tempered by the sea and the mountains, and a constant mineral salinity that defines the character of every wine.
Farming at Agricola D'Ausilio is certified organic and deeply informed by regenerative sustainable agriculture principles. The family avoids the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods to nurture the soil and protect the vines. Composting and cover crops are central to their approach — maintaining the health of the soil, encouraging biodiversity, and creating a living ecosystem where beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators thrive. The focus is on guiding the plants toward their natural balance, allowing the vineyard to become a self-regulating environment that reduces the need for intervention. The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. Raffaele personally oversees every aspect of the viticultural cycle, from pruning to harvest, ensuring that the grapes that enter the cellar are of the highest quality and express the unique character of the Riviera of Ulysses.
The grape varieties are a thoughtful mix of indigenous treasures and well-adapted international varieties that thrive in the coastal terroir. The white grape is Moscato di Terracina — a native variety of remarkable aromatic complexity, floral intensity, and the ability to produce wines of both freshness and depth that have been cultivated in this coastal area for centuries. The red variety is Syrah — an international grape that has found an extraordinary home in the warm, sunny, mineral-rich soils of the Fondi Plain, producing wines of bold character, dark fruit, and a distinct savory, saline edge that speaks of the sea. Together, these varieties form the backbone of Agricola D'Ausilio's portfolio — each one expressing a different facet of the Riviera of Ulysses terroir, each one a pure, unadorned expression of place, history, and coastal light.
Municipality of Fondi, province of Latina, southern Lazio. Coastal plain between Tyrrhenian Sea and Aurunci Mountains. From dunes to mountain foothills, just a few kilometers from the sea. Historic area known since Ancient Rome for prized wines. Unique geography with sea breezes and mountain shelter. Warm days, cool nights, constant air movement. Extraordinary viticultural potential being restored after century of abandonment.
Mix of coastal alluvial deposits and mountain foothill compositions. Rich in minerals, well-drained. Maritime influence imparts distinct saline freshness and minerality. Excellent drainage forces deep root systems. Distinctive Riviera character: freshness, minerality, coastal salinity. Sea breezes and mountain winds reduce humidity and disease naturally. Soils that once produced the most prized wines of the Roman Empire.
Certified organic farming with regenerative sustainable agriculture principles. No chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Composting and cover crops to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Focus on guiding plants toward natural balance. Beneficial insects, native plants, natural predators. Self-regulating vineyard environment. Manual harvest with rigorous selection. Raffaele personally oversees every aspect of viticulture. Ancient traditions combined with modern sustainability.
White — Moscato di Terracina (native, aromatic complexity, floral intensity, freshness and depth, centuries of coastal cultivation). Red — Syrah (international variety, well-adapted to warm sunny mineral-rich soils, bold character, dark fruit, savory saline edge). Both expressing different facets of Riviera of Ulysses terroir. Hand-harvested with rigorous selection. Pure expressions of coastal Lazio and historic grape heritage.
Hands-Off & Terroir-Driven Purity
At Agricola D'Ausilio, the cellar philosophy is one of hands-off, low-intervention winemaking — a commitment to producing wines that are a pure and honest expression of the Riviera of Ulysses terroir, with no forced corrections, no heavy manipulation, and no masking of the grape's natural character. Raffaele Pirozzi believes that the wine knows what it wants to become, and that his role is to guide, not to force — to bring in perfectly healthy, organically grown grapes and allow them to ferment, evolve, and express themselves with the minimum of human interference. The result is a small but authentic range of natural wines — around 20,000 bottles annually — that are bright, fresh, and deeply expressive of the Fondi Plain terroir — wines that taste of the coastal soils, the sea breeze, and the varieties that have found their home in this historic corner of southern Lazio.
The techniques are minimal, respectful, and deeply informed by Raffaele's commitment to natural expression. The family limits the use of oenological products, relying on indigenous yeasts for spontaneous fermentation. The wines are generally unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character, living textures, and authentic flavors. The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum — and some wines are made with no added sulfites at all. This is not negligence; it is a deliberate, deeply considered rejection of the winemaking industry's standard toolkit in favor of transparency, risk, and authenticity. The small-scale production allows for a hands-on, careful approach to winemaking, ensuring that each bottle is a true expression of the coastal terroir.
"Sciobaco Bianco" — The Signature Moscato: The Sciobaco Bianco is Agricola D'Ausilio's most celebrated white wine — the signature cuvée that encapsulates everything Raffaele Pirozzi believes about organic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of patience, respect, and minimal intervention. It is not merely a white wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Moscato di Terracina when grown on the coastal soils of the Riviera of Ulysses, the courage of a family who chose restoration over convenience, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. Made from 100% Moscato di Terracina, it is a wine of extraordinary aromatic complexity, floral intensity, and a distinct mineral, saline character that captures the essence of the Fondi Plain terroir. The name "Sciobaco" evokes the local street where the winery is located — a nod to the deep roots of the family in this specific place. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's organic vineyards, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures — no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. The wine is aged in a variety of vessels chosen to preserve its delicate aromatics and fresh character. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers white flowers, citrus, peach, apricot, honey, and a distinct mineral, saline note that speaks of the sea-influenced soils of the Riviera of Ulysses. The palate is medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, a slightly textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish with a gentle saline kiss. It is a wine of great personality — the quintessential expression of coastal Lazio white wine. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. Drink within 2–3 years for maximum freshness. ~$16–$24 / ~€14–€22.
"Sciobaco Rosso" — The Bold Syrah: The Sciobaco Rosso is Agricola D'Ausilio's flagship red — a wine that captures the bold, sun-drenched character of Syrah grown on the mineral-rich coastal soils of the Fondi Plain, made with the same zero-addition philosophy that defines the estate. Syrah is an international variety that has found an extraordinary home in the warm, sunny, well-drained soils of the Riviera of Ulysses — a grape that produces wines of remarkable depth, dark fruit, and a distinct savory, saline edge that speaks of the sea. At Agricola D'Ausilio, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged with minimal intervention, allowing the variety's natural power and the terroir's mineral character to express themselves fully. In the glass, it is deep ruby-purple. The nose offers black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, black pepper, and a distinct earthy, smoky note with a hint of sea salt. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet approachable tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory, slightly spicy finish. It is a wine of great personality — a bold, authentic expression of Syrah in a coastal Italian terroir. Serve at 16–18°C. 3–5 years ageing potential. ~$18–$28 / ~€16–€25.
Vessels & Ageing: Agricola D'Ausilio works with a variety of vessels — stainless steel tanks, old wooden barrels, and other containers — each chosen according to the wine, the vintage, and Raffaele's intuition. There is no single formula; the choice of vessel is always made in service of the wine's natural expression, not in pursuit of a house style. The stainless steel preserves freshness, primary fruit, and vibrant acidity — essential for the delicate aromatics of Moscato di Terracina. The old wood adds subtle complexity and allows for gentle oxygen exchange without imposing oak flavors on the more structured Syrah. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur added — preserving their natural textures, living yeasts, and authentic flavors. The result is a portfolio of wines that are unmistakably Agricola D'Ausilio — alive, authentic, and deeply connected to the coastal soul of the Riviera of Ulysses.
"Sciobaco Bianco" — "100% Moscato di Terracina — Hand-Harvested from Organic Coastal Vineyards in the Riviera of Ulysses, Indigenous Yeast Fermentation, Unfined, Unfiltered, Minimal Sulfur — The Signature White of the Fondi Plain"
The Sciobaco Bianco is Agricola D'Ausilio's most celebrated and distinctive wine — the signature white that encapsulates everything Raffaele Pirozzi and the Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family believe about organic viticulture, natural winemaking, and the transformative power of restoring a forgotten terroir. It is not merely a white wine; it is a testament to the beauty of Moscato di Terracina when grown on the coastal soils of the Riviera of Ulysses, the courage of a family who chose historical restoration over commercial convenience, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land without excessive intervention. The name evokes the local street where the winery stands — a declaration of rootedness, of place, of an identity that cannot be separated from this specific corner of southern Lazio.
The viticulture is organic and regenerative. No chemical pesticides, no synthetic herbicides, no artificial fertilizers. The family focuses on maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem in the vineyard — composting, cover crops, beneficial insects, native plants, and natural predators forming a self-regulating system that reduces the need for intervention. The harvest is entirely manual, with rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches — each one picked by hand from vines that represent the rebirth of a viticultural tradition stretching back to Ancient Rome.
In the cellar, the Moscato di Terracina grapes are gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures — no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. The vessels are chosen to preserve the wine's delicate aromatics and fresh character — to allow the Moscato to express its natural floral intensity and the terroir's saline minerality without the influence of heavy manipulation. No fining, no filtration. Minimal sulfur is added — only what is necessary to ensure stability without masking the wine's natural character. The result is a wine that is alive, authentic, and deeply connected to the place from which it comes.
In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections — alive, vibrant, authentic. The nose is intense and fresh: white flowers, citrus, peach, apricot, honey, and a distinct mineral, saline note that speaks of the sea-influenced soils of the Riviera of Ulysses. There are notes of Mediterranean herbs, a hint of sea breeze, and a subtle stony quality that adds depth and intrigue. The palate is medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, a slightly textured mouthfeel, and a long, savory, mineral finish that lingers with a gentle saline kiss. It is a wine of great personality — a wine that proves Moscato di Terracina, when grown organically on the right coastal soils and made with minimal intervention, can produce whites of both immediacy and profound depth, of both pleasure and intellectual challenge.
The Sciobaco Bianco is a wine of the table and the sea — it pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled fish, fresh pasta with light sauces, aged cheeses, or simply with good bread and olive oil on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. It will reward 2–3 years of careful cellaring, developing more honey, almond, and mineral complexity. Every bottle is a testament to the power of coastal terroir, the beauty of Moscato di Terracina, and the enduring magic of wines that honor the land and the history from which they come. ~$16–$24 / ~€14–€22.
The Agricola D'Ausilio Range
Raffaele Pirozzi and the Pirozzi-D'Ausilio family produce a small, organic, natural portfolio of around 20,000 bottles annually from their vineyards in the Fondi Plain, Riviera of Ulysses, southern Lazio. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no additives. No fining, no filtration. Only minimal sulfur — and some wines with no added sulfites at all. Fermented and aged in a variety of vessels chosen to preserve natural character and terroir expression. The portfolio includes a white and a red — each one a pure, honest expression of the Riviera of Ulysses terroir and the family's commitment to restoring historic viticultural traditions. Prices are approximate and in USD/EUR.
Agricola D'Ausilio produces a small, organic, natural portfolio of approximately 20,000 bottles annually from its vineyards in the Fondi Plain, Riviera of Ulysses, southern Lazio. All wines are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and made with indigenous yeasts. No fining, no filtration, minimal sulfur (some with zero added sulfites). Vessels vary by vintage and cuvée. The portfolio is focused and authentic — Moscato di Terracina and Syrah, expressing the coastal-mineral character of this historic Roman terroir. Availability is limited due to the small scale and natural production methods. Contact the winery directly or visit The Grape Reset, RAW WINE, Vivino, and select natural wine retailers for availability. Visits and wine tours available by appointment — including guided walks among the rows and tastings directly from the tanks.