Tenuta Loffredo: Terraced Vineyards and Volcanic Wines of Campi Flegrei

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 1/22/2026

Tenuta Loffredo: Terraced Vineyards and Volcanic Wines of Campi Flegrei

When Castrese Loffredo, owner of Tenuta Loffredo, parked the car and gestured toward the highest point of the terraced hillside, our destination for the tasting, the prospect felt daunting. After a long day spent sampling the current vintage of wines from across sun-drenched Campania, the climb seemed like a final test of endurance. Yet what initially appeared challenging soon revealed itself as a necessary and gentle immersion.

As we walked upward, Castrese’s stories and explanations unfolded naturally. With every step, the land beneath our feet became part of the narrative, revealing the family’s deep and tangible connection to each vine and every stone. The heat slowly faded into the background, replaced by the rhythm of his words and the quiet authority of lived experience. By the time we reached the small vineyard hut at the summit, where his son Roberto, and the estate’s marketing manager awaited us with perfectly chilled bottles, the purpose of the journey was unmistakable. Here, wine is not simply poured; it is earned through understanding, shaped by a place that must be approached slowly, on foot, and known through direct contact with the land.

This philosophy is rooted in one of Italy’s most dramatic and ancient wine territories, the Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei). A volcanic landscape sculpted by fire, time, and the sea, where viticulture has always been an act of devotion rather than convenience. Tenuta Loffredo stands as a living expression of this bond, a story of three generations who have chosen not merely to produce wine, but to weave their legacy into the very fabric of this compelling and ever-moving land.

A Family’s Journey Through the Vines

The history of the Loffredo family is deeply intertwined with the agricultural life of the Phlegraean Fields and can be traced back to the mid-19th century. It was in the aftermath of the Second World War, in 1946, that the estate truly began to take shape, when Gennaro Loffredo planted the first vines alongside vegetables and citrus fruits. This mixed agricultural model, typical of the region, reflected a way of farming defined by patience, manual labor, and an intimate understanding of volcanic soils and terraced landscapes.

Roberto and Castrese Loffredo

A decisive evolution followed in 2004, when Castrese Loffredo grafted vineyards across nearly the entire cultivable area, transforming the family’s land into the terraced vineyard that defines Tenuta Loffredo today. Carefully built and preserved by earlier generations, the terraces were restored and devoted primarily to viticulture, enhancing both the natural landscape and the quality of the fruit.

The most recent chapter began in 2017, when Gennaro Loffredo, son of Castrese, together with his brothers, gave the family’s work a clear identity through the creation of the Tenuta Loffredo brand. That same year marked a focused and courageous decision to cultivate only vines and exclusively native varieties of the Campi Flegrei: Falanghina, Piedirosso, and a small percentage of Aglianico, used in the red wine Terrazze sui Campi. The first vintage was released to restaurants and wine professionals in 2021, officially bringing three generations of family dedication to the market..

A Volcanic Landscape Shaped by Hand and Heritage

Tenuta Loffredo is located in Pianura, between Quarto and Pozzuoli, on the northern edge of Naples, within the Quarto Plain, the largest extinct crater of the Phlegraean Fields. This land has been cultivated since the Bronze Age, valued for its natural fertility first by the Greeks and later by the Romans.

The vineyards grow on terraced slopes made of pozzolana, at heights between 40 and 120 meters above sea level. Their north to south orientation allows the vines to receive gentle morning light and warmer afternoon sun. What truly defines the estate is its volcanic soil, formed from layers of ash, small stones, and volcanic sand. These light, well-draining soils do not hold much water, encouraging the vines to grow deep roots and naturally produce fewer but more concentrated grapes. The result is wines with a clear sense of place, marked by freshness, balance, and a distinct savory character.

Today, Tenuta Loffredo cultivates about two hectares of vineyards on steep terraces that can only be worked by hand. This demanding approach, often described as heroic viticulture, reflects the family’s commitment to quality and respect for the land. The native grape varieties Falanghina and Piedirosso are trained using traditional methods, alongside a small presence of Aglianico. Both vineyard care and winemaking are guided by Giovanni Piccirillo, oenologist, and Alessandro Fiorillo, agronomist, following sustainable practices. The wines are fermented and aged mainly in stainless steel, preserving their freshness and allowing the true character of the Phlegraean Fields to shine through in every bottle.

The Wines of Tenuta Loffredo

Tenuta Loffredo produces a small but carefully curated selection of wines that reflect the unique volcanic soils and native grape varieties of the Phlegraean Fields. With an emphasis on freshness, balance, and minerality, the estate’s wines are crafted to express the character of the land and the family’s dedication to sustainable, hand-tended viticulture. The current production totals approximately 5,000 bottles per year, including two main labels and a rosé, each telling the story of steep terraced vineyards and manual harvesting.

Rosa del Cratere Campania IGT

This rosé wine, made from 100% Piedirosso, comes from vines grown at around 200 meters above sea level on very deep, loose sandy soils of volcanic origin. Produced in limited quantities of approximately 2,000 bottles per year, the grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed with minimal skin contact to preserve finesse and achieve a delicate pale salmon color. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, the wine reveals aromas of small red berries and wild rose, complemented by subtle hints of Mediterranean scrub and iodine. On the palate, it is fresh, elegant, and savory, a clear expression of its volcanic terroir.

Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei DOC

Crafted entirely from Falanghina, this white wine comes from sun-soaked volcanic slopes near the sea, where sandy volcanic soils shape its distinctive mineral character. Produced in limited quantities of around 1,800 bottles per year, the grapes are handpicked and gently fermented to preserve freshness, then left to rest in bottle for about a year before release. In the glass, it is bright and straw yellow, with aromas of ripe fruit and wet stone, and a palate that is delicate and precise, marked by citrus notes and a refreshing, almost saline crispness. Tasted across vintages, its mineral core becomes increasingly elegant and expressive over time, offering a clear reflection of its volcanic origin.

Piedirosso dei Campi Flegrei DOC

This red wine, made from 95% Piedirosso and 5% Aglianico, is rooted in volcanic soils at elevations of 80 to 120 meters, where the vines benefit from natural drainage and a gentle coastal influence. Produced in a limited annual run of around 2,500 bottles, the grapes are hand-harvested and carefully vinified in stainless steel, then aged in bottle for 8 to 10 months to achieve balance and clarity. The wine pours a vivid ruby red with purple highlights, opening with aromas of dark berries, violets, and a hint of spice, complemented by subtle smoky and mineral notes that reflect its volcanic origin. On the palate, it is fresh, savory, and refined, with soft tannins, flavors of black cherry, and a long, elegant finish. When tasted across vintages, the wine’s sapidity becomes more pronounced and supple, revealing greater depth while remaining approachable and expressive of its unique terroir.