VARVAGLIONE 1921 – A family story
Histories and stories are made up of time and land and generations and love. Ours starts in Leporano, just outside Taranto, where we’ve been making wine for 100 years. There is history behind the brand Varvaglione 1921: it is the story of a family and a winery that bring Puglia to the world, having made Primitivo di Manduria their flagship. Under the careful guidance and stewardship of Cosimo and Maria Teresa Varvaglione, the baton is now passing to the fourth generation of the family, that looks ahead to the third millennium with the same determination and optimism that distinguished their grandparents and great-grandparents.
The vision of the Varvaglione family is that of a sustainable future. This is why the owner and winemaker, Cosimo Varvaglione, sought the collaboration of important universities in monitoring the vineyards, with rigorous care for the vines and respect for the environment. Varvaglione 1921 has always integrated innovative production methods without ever forgetting tradition.
This family-run business from Puglia has a keen international vision, and was classified by the Financial Times of London among the 500 most rapidly expanding European companies in 2017. This is a shared accolade, because at Varvaglione 1921 they play as a team, where the company philosophy extends to all the workers and collaborators.
The Wines
Varvaglione 1921 produces more than 5 million bottles that are distributed in over 70 countries throughout the world. Varvaglione 1921 focuses on native grape varieties from Puglia, the most important one being Primitivo di Manduria, but also the well-known Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, and Aglianico, to mention the black grape varieties; add to this Verdeca, Malvasia Bianca, Falanghina and Fiano, to mention the white grape varieties. Moreover, in the broad ranging portfolio, there are also wines made from international varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The difference is in the terroir of Puglia and the Varvaglione touch. Among the various expressions of Primitivo, there is the latest version, Idea, made as a rose’. The full portfolio includes IGT wines, DOC wines and even the Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG; all tell the history of a winery that was founded on a family story, that of the Varvaglione family. Recognized on national and international markets, Varvaglione 1921 is one of the oldest wineries in Southern Italy and boasts a wide-ranging list of labels that have won numerous prizes and awards.
The Winery
The structure has three areas: the winemaking plant and cellar, the bottling site, and a wine store in the company’s historical headquarters. But it is Masseria Pizzariello that is the real heart of the company, a symbol of the Varvaglione family’s hospitality. The Masseria has great historical importance, and dates to the end of the 1600s, representing the architectural and agricultural traditions of Puglia.
The Vineyards
In addition to the 150 hectares owned by the family, there are an additional 135 hectares are farmed by affiliated growers, local partners for over 30 years. In the Papale Contrada, there are old vines from which the Primitivo di Manduria Riserva, Papale Oro, is made. This iconic wine owes its name to this vineyard that in the 1600s belonged to Pope Benedict XIII.
Research and Environment
Protecting the environment is of primary importance for Varvaglione 1921; the company is systematically monitored by the University of Udine and the University of Rome, Tor Vergata with rigorous quality control systems. In terms of quality, research and development, Varvaglione 1921 is certified by the BRC Certification Body, IFS International Food Standard, ISO 22000, ISO 22005, ISO 9001, ISO 14001.
