Campania
Vernice

Vernice’s story begins with a return to the roots of Irpinia.

The territory has a remarkably ancient viticultural heritage. As early as Roman times, Pliny the Elder described native grape varieties cultivated in Southern Italy, including vines associated with Piedirosso, Sciascinoso, Olivella and Aglianico.

For much of the 20th century, varieties such as Sciascinoso, Piedirosso and Coda di Volpe were mainly used as “blending grapes,” valued for their ability to add structure and aroma to Aglianico. Over time, however, their cultivation declined dramatically, and some of these historic vines came close to disappearing from the landscape.

Vernice was born from the desire to bring these forgotten varieties back to life. Through ampelographic research, vineyard replanting, careful harvesting and dedicated vinification, the winery seeks to restore their identity and introduce their distinctive flavors and aromas to a new generation of wine lovers.

For Vernice, preserving the past means giving it a future—through wines that express the memory of Irpinia in a contemporary way.

The vineyards of Vernice are located in the Irpinian hills, where predominantly volcanic soils provide the foundation for the winery's historic grape varieties.

The subsoil is rich in specific macro- and micronutrients, which contribute to the vigor of the vines and influence the distinctive organoleptic characteristics of each grape.

The continental climate further shapes the identity of the wines. The combination of vigorous vines, volcanic soils and significant temperature variations encourages a long and gradual ripening process, with the maturation of the grapes extending into November.

These conditions are particularly important for the native varieties at the heart of the Vernice project, allowing their individual personalities to emerge while maintaining a strong connection with the territory.

The estate is therefore more than a place where grapes are cultivated. It is the living environment in which ancient vines, soil and climate come together to preserve the memory of Irpinia.

In the historic center of Paternopoli stands a building dating back to the 1950s, attributed to renowned architects of the time, including Gio Ponti and Pierluigi Nervi. Today, carefully restored, it is where Vernice welcomes visitors for tastings and shares its passion for the wines of Irpinia.

Enologist Mario Ercolino oversees the cultivation and production, personally guiding the winery’s oenological development and working to bring out the distinctive character of each native grape variety.

Roberta Pirone is responsible for the promotion and commercial development of the wines. Their son, Gabriele Ercolino, manages the winery’s website, online communication and digital promotion, helping introduce Vernice and its lesser-known native grape varieties to a new generation of wine lovers.

At Vernice, each member of the family contributes to a different aspect of the winery—from vineyard and cellar to promotion and digital communication—bringing the heritage of ancient grape varieties into the modern world.