Hills of Sunshine in the Heart of Irpinia

The story of Le Colline del Sole is a story of family, of land, and of an unbroken chain of passion that stretches back through the centuries. The estate was born from the desire of Roberto and Bianca Iommazzo to carry forward the ancient family passion for viticulture — a tradition that has been transmitted from generation to generation, from father to son, each one a witness and custodian of a grape-farming heritage that is inseparable from the very soil it springs from. This is not merely a business; it is a calling, a way of life, a dialogue between people and place that has endured across time.

The estate is located in Torrioni, a characteristic village in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, Campania — one of Italy's most exciting and historically significant wine regions. Irpinia is a land of volcanic soils, dramatic mountain landscapes, and indigenous grape varieties that have adapted over millennia to this unique terroir. The estate sits at 450 meters above sea level, in the very center of the Greco di Tufo DOCG production zone — one of Italy's most prestigious white wine appellations. The Iommazzo family has farmed this land for generations, but it was Roberto who designed and built the current cellars, transforming the family's agricultural tradition into a modern, quality-focused winemaking enterprise.

Roberto Iommazzo is not merely the owner and winemaker; he is the architect of the estate's vision. He designed the cellar himself, overseeing every detail of its construction, and with the capable assistance of his whole family, he manages every aspect of the production process. His wife Bianca works alongside him, sharing the technical, agronomic, and cellar responsibilities. Together, they ensure that no effort is spared in the production of their wines. Their daughter Margherita has joined the enterprise, following in her parents' footsteps and projecting the brand toward the future. It is a true family operation — the kind of tight symbiosis between producer, product, and consumer that can only exist when the people who make the wine also live on the land, eat from the land, and dream about the land.

The name "Le Colline del Sole" — "Hills of Sunshine" — evokes the sun-drenched slopes of Torrioni, where the vineyards bask in the southern Italian light, tempered by the altitude and the mountain breezes. It is a name that captures the warmth, the generosity, and the luminosity of the place — a place where the sun does not merely ripen grapes but seems to infuse them with a particular golden energy. The estate's philosophy is rooted in the recovery of what seems to have been forgotten, in the value of care and dedication that only the earth can call forth, in the realization of a wine that is the search for the perfect equilibrium of its various components. As the family puts it: "l'essere irpini dentro" — being Irpinian inside. This is the mission that animates their work and makes it so unique and authentic.

At Le Colline del Sole, the cellar philosophy is one of strict observance of the highest standards in winemaking, combined with a deep respect for tradition and the natural expression of the grape. Roberto Iommazzo designed and built the cellar himself, and he oversees every detail of the production process with the capable assistance of his whole family. The guiding principle is simple: the wine must be the honest expression of the vineyard, of the volcanic soils of Irpinia, and of the indigenous varieties that have defined this region for centuries. The family dedicates particular care to tending its own vineyards, meaning that grapes of unique quality can be used to produce truly exceptional wines. In the cellar, this means minimal intervention, indigenous yeasts, careful temperature control, and a focus on preserving the varietal character and terroir expression that make Irpinian wines so distinctive.

The techniques are precise, traditional, and deeply personal, shaped by Roberto's vision and the family's commitment to quality:

"Greco di Tufo" — The Flagship White: The Greco di Tufo is Le Colline del Sole's most celebrated wine — the flagship white that captures the essence of the estate's volcanic terroir and the Iommazzo family's dedication to quality. Made from 100% Greco, it is a wine of extraordinary mineral complexity, aromatic intensity, and ageing potential that has earned recognition in the Greco di Tufo DOCG zone. The grapes come from the estate's own vineyards in Torrioni, at 450 meters above sea level, in the heart of the DOCG production area. The vines are tended organically, with hand-harvesting and rigorous selection of only the healthiest, most concentrated bunches. In the cellar, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures to preserve the delicate aromatics and fresh acidity. The wine is aged on its lees for several months, developing texture, complexity, and a distinct savory depth. The result is a Greco di Tufo of remarkable purity and expression — golden in color, with a nose of ripe peach, apricot, almond, white flowers, and a distinct mineral, almost smoky undertone that speaks of the volcanic tufa soils. The palate is full-bodied yet fresh, with vibrant acidity, a creamy texture from lees ageing, and a long, mineral, slightly saline finish. It is a wine of great personality that proves Greco di Tufo can rival the finest white wines of Italy for complexity and longevity. Serve at 10–12°C. 5–8 years ageing potential. ~$22–$32 / ~€20–€29.

"Fiano di Avellino" — The Noble White: The Fiano di Avellino is Le Colline del Sole's second white — a wine of extraordinary elegance, honeyed depth, and floral complexity that showcases another of Irpinia's indigenous treasures. Made from 100% Fiano, it is a wine of remarkable refinement and ageing potential, often compared to great white Burgundy for its texture, complexity, and ability to develop in the bottle. The grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's vineyards, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at low temperatures to preserve the variety's delicate aromatics. The wine is aged in stainless steel, with some lees contact to add texture and depth. In the glass, it is straw-gold with greenish reflections. The nose is intense and complex: honey, hazelnuts, white flowers, citrus zest, pear, and a distinct mineral, petrol-like note that develops with age. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, layered finish that evolves from fresh fruit to honeyed, nutty complexity. It is a wine of both immediate pleasure and profound depth — approachable in its youth but capable of 5–10 years of development in the cellar. Serve at 10–12°C. ~$20–$28 / ~€18–€25.

"Taurasi" — The King of Irpinia: The Taurasi is Le Colline del Sole's flagship red — a wine made from 100% Aglianico, the grape that has earned Irpinia its place among Italy's greatest wine regions. Taurasi DOCG is one of Italy's most prestigious red wine appellations, and the Iommazzo family's interpretation is a wine of extraordinary power, structure, and volcanic character. The grapes come from the estate's best vineyards, hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The maceration is long — extracting color, tannin, and phenolic compounds — and the wine is then aged in a combination of large oak casks and barriques for 12–18 months, followed by extended bottle ageing before release. The result is a Taurasi of remarkable depth and complexity: deep ruby-garnet in color, with a nose of black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, smoke, leather, and a distinct volcanic, earthy undertone. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet elegant tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, layered finish that evolves from dark fruit to spice, tobacco, and mineral earthiness. It is a wine that demands food — rich meat dishes, aged cheeses, truffle — and rewards patience, with 10–15 years of cellaring potential. Serve at 18°C after decanting. ~$28–$40 / ~€25–€36.

"Irpinia Aglianico" — The Younger Red: The Irpinia Aglianico is Le Colline del Sole's second red — a younger, more approachable expression of Aglianico that captures the variety's volcanic power in a more immediate, fruit-forward form. Made from 100% Aglianico, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged primarily in stainless steel with a brief period in large oak to soften the tannins without adding heavy wood flavors. The result is a wine of vibrant freshness and drinkability: ruby-purple in color, with a nose of fresh cherry, wild strawberry, plum, violet, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs and volcanic smoke. The palate is medium-bodied, with lively acidity, approachable tannins, and a clean, fruity, mineral finish. It is the wine of the table — versatile, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — perfect with pizza, pasta, grilled meats, or simply with good bread and olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C. ~$16–$24 / ~€14–€22.

"Irpinia Coda di Volpe" — The Native White: The Irpinia Coda di Volpe is Le Colline del Sole's expression of Coda di Volpe — "tail of the fox" — a native white grape of Campania named for the elongated shape of its grape clusters. It is a wine of charming personality and regional authenticity, capturing a lesser-known but historically significant variety of the Irpinian countryside. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. The result is a wine of fresh, fruity character and subtle complexity — pale straw in color, with notes of citrus, green apple, white peach, almond, and a hint of herbal freshness. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a clean, mineral finish. It is a wine of everyday pleasure — perfect as an aperitif, with light seafood, or with fresh cheeses. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$14–$20 / ~€12–€18.

"Irpinia Falanghina" — The Coastal Soul: The Irpinia Falanghina is Le Colline del Sole's interpretation of Falanghina — a variety that, while also grown on the Campanian coast, finds a unique expression in the mountain climate of Irpinia. It is a wine of bright aromatics, citrus freshness, and mineral backbone that bridges the gap between coastal and mountain terroirs. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures. The wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve its primary fruit and fresh character. In the glass, it is straw-yellow with greenish reflections. The nose offers lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, almond, and a distinct mineral, saline note. The palate is crisp, refreshing, and medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and a long, clean, slightly bitter finish that invites another sip. It is the ultimate summer white — perfect with oysters, grilled fish, or simply in the sun. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$14–$20 / ~€12–€18.

"Irpinia Rosato" — The Pink Expression: The Irpinia Rosato is Le Colline del Sole's rosé — a wine that captures the volcanic soul of Irpinia in a lighter, more playful form. Made primarily from Aglianico with a small percentage of other local red varieties, it is a rosé of unusual depth and character — not merely a summer drink but a serious wine that speaks of its terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed with brief skin contact to achieve the delicate salmon-pink color, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. The result is a rosé of remarkable freshness and complexity: delicate pink in color, with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, rose petal, citrus, and a hint of volcanic minerality. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with crisp acidity, subtle tannins, and a clean, mineral, slightly savory finish. It is a wine of great versatility — perfect as an aperitif, with salads, light pasta, or grilled fish. Serve well chilled at 8–10°C. ~$14–$20 / ~€12–€18.

"Spumante Brut" — The Celebration: The Spumante Brut is Le Colline del Sole's sparkling wine — a traditional method spumante that brings the freshness and elegance of Irpinia to the world of bubbles. Made from a blend of the estate's white grapes, it is fermented with indigenous yeasts and subjected to the second fermentation in bottle, where it ages on its lees to develop complexity, fine bubbles, and a distinctive autolytic character. The result is a sparkling wine of crystalline purity and mountain freshness — pale gold in color, with a fine, persistent perlage. The nose offers green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, brioche, and a distinct mineral backbone. The palate is crisp, elegant, and refreshing, with vibrant acidity, a creamy mousse, and a long, clean finish. It is the wine of celebration — perfect for toasting, with oysters, or simply for marking a moment of joy. Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. ~$18–$26 / ~€16–€23.

"Vignali" — The Reserve Greco: The Vignali is Le Colline del Sole's reserve Greco di Tufo — a wine of extraordinary concentration and depth made from the estate's oldest and most carefully selected vines. It is a wine that represents the pinnacle of the Iommazzo family's work with Greco, a wine that captures the full potential of the variety when given the time, care, and respect it deserves. The grapes come from selected parcels within the estate's vineyards, hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The wine undergoes extended lees ageing and is bottled only when Roberto and Bianca believe it has reached its perfect equilibrium. The result is a Greco di Tufo of rare intensity and complexity — deep golden in color, with a nose of dried apricot, honey, almond, toasted nuts, and a profound mineral, almost smoky depth. The palate is full-bodied and textured, with vibrant acidity, a creamy, almost oily mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts for minutes. It is a wine for special occasions, for contemplation, for pairing with the finest dishes — truffle, lobster, aged Pecorino. Serve at 12–14°C. 8–12 years ageing potential. ~$28–$38 / ~€25–€35.

Vessels & Ageing: Le Colline del Sole works with a mix of stainless steel tanks and large oak casks — a varied approach that allows Roberto to choose the vessel that best allows each wine to express its unique character. Stainless steel is used for the fresher, more aromatic whites like Falanghina and Coda di Volpe — preserving purity, preventing oxidation, and allowing the primary fruit to shine. Large oak casks are used for the Taurasi — adding subtle complexity, softening tannins, and developing depth without the heavy influence of new barrique. The Greco di Tufo and Fiano are aged primarily in steel with some lees contact, developing texture and complexity while preserving their fresh, mineral character. The choice of vessel is always deliberate, always in service of the wine's natural expression. All wines are made with indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur, and a focus on preserving the authentic flavors of Irpinia's volcanic terroir.