Paolo Petrilli

The Petrilli Estate is located in Northern Puglia, in the region of Daunia, near the town of Lucera (just north of the village of Troia).

Paolo and Paola Petrilli have lived lifelong in this area, and first made their substantial reputation growing some of the finest organic pomodori (tomatoes) in all of Italy. Their crop, from just 5 Hectares of tomatoes, sells out every year and Paolo applies the same philosophy to his wines as he does to the pomodori: better to limit production and make the best possible product (even the POMODORI are Green Harvested!).

In 2002 the family released the first wines from their 10 Hectares of vines, using only local varietals (having previously sold their grapes to the local Cantina Sociale (cooperative). Paolo flatly states that his production shall be limited to whatever he is able to vinify from that 10 Ha - generally, around 30,000 bottles in total.

A quiet, funny, sophisticated farmer and academic - his beautiful home is overflowing with books on every conceivable subject - Paolo’s wines are so impossibly elegant, they almost dance on the palate. Think of a glider, no engine, drifting across a blue sky.

Organic farming has been used since the beginning; and Organic Certification (ICEA) is expected for the 2008 vintage and beyond. Trellising System is Spurred Cordon, and grapes are harvested entirely by hand.