Torrevento

Torrevento: Voice of the Murgia

Francesco Liantonio is not a preservationist in the traditional sense. He is a visionary entrepreneur with a sense of origin. Under his leadership, Torrevento has developed into one of the defining voices of the DOC Castel del Monte. His guiding principle is clear: not only to preserve the indigenous grape varieties of Apulia, but also to give them the precision and dignity they deserve.

The family's roots go back to 1913. At that time, the grandfather Francesco Liantonio emigrated to New York, returned a decade later and invested in his homeland. In 1948, the Liantonio brothers acquired a former Benedictine monastery from the 17th century in the "Torre del Vento" district, laying the foundations for today's winery. The historic building is still the centrepiece of the winery and a visible sign of a history that combines entrepreneurial spirit and regional roots.

Nero di Troia as a statement

Francesco Liantonio was quick to recognise the potential of grape varieties that had long been overshadowed by international trends. In 1993, Torrevento was the first Apulian winery to present a Nero di Troia in its pure form, the Vigna Pedale Castel del Monte DOC 1992. This step marked a turning point for the variety and for the region. Today, Vigna Pedale Riserva DOCG is one of the area's most reliable references. The Ottagono Riserva, powerful and brooding, also exemplifies the character of the Murgia.

In addition to Nero di Troia, Bombino Bianco and Bombino Nero, Aglianico, Moscato Reale, Primitivo, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera play a key role. Torrevento does not see itself as a specialist in a single variety, but as an interpreter of the entire Apulian diversity.

Castel del Monte

If you want to understand Torrevento, you have to understand Castel del Monte. The mysterious castle of Frederick II, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, towers 540 metres above the barren limestone plateau of the Murgia. Its geometrically perfect octagon inspired the winery's logo. Architecture, symbolism and landscape merge here to form a cultural force field.

The vineyards of Torrevento lie at an altitude of 300 to 350 metres, just 13 kilometres from the sea. The constant wind ensures healthy grapes and gives the wines tension and freshness. The stony karst soils are poor in nutrients and demand everything from the vines. This results in concentration, structure and a clear mineral signature.
The Murge region is a land of contrasts. Barren plateaus alternate with olive groves and traditional masserias. In the Alta Murgia National Park, thyme and rosemary grow between limestone and pastureland. Old Jazzi tell of the centuries-old tradition of transhumance. In this landscape, wines are created that do not aim to be pleasing, but instead show character.

500 hectares of responsibility

Today, Torrevento cultivates around 500 hectares of vineyards in Apulia, of which 250 hectares are owned and 250 hectares are leased. In addition to the core area of Castel del Monte, the winery is also represented in the Primitivo region and in Salento. Torrevento thus represents the most important terroirs in the region and combines different microclimates and soil types in a clearly structured portfolio. The annual production is around 2.5 million bottles. Despite this size, the attitude remains unchanged. The territory, the people and the wines take centre stage.

Sustainability as a matter of course

Sustainability is not just an empty phrase here, but is passionately and structurally anchored. Torrevento is a member of the "3E Cantina Sostenibile Equalitas" initiative. Economia, Etica and Ecologia form the three pillars of the company's actions. Ecological responsibility, social fairness and economic stability are seen as equally important tasks.

Today, the Torrevento winery stands for a region that has long been underestimated and is now formulating its identity with self-confidence. Stone, wind, history and grape varieties that have been given a voice again. A winery that sees origin not as a decoration, but as an obligation.SUPERIORE.DE

"In the Castel del Monte denomination in the Parco Rurale of the Murgia, Francesco Liantonio's winery has 450 hectares of vineyards, which are cultivated using organic methods and with the utmost respect for the environment. The vineyards are located on rocky karst soils and are planted almost exclusively with indigenous varieties, especially Nero di Troia. In the cellar, the work in the vineyard is respected and therefore the wines are not left on the skins for long periods or aged too intensively in barrels. The result is very fruity wines that are characterised by freshness and finesse." Gambero Rosso

"The pedigree of these wines exceeds the regional average. Dense wines, neither oxidised nor vinous. Well done!" Luca Maroni