When I think of the most authentic and courageous stories of the world of wine, one of the first that comes to mind is that of Silvia Imparato. An extraordinary woman, capable of transforming a personal passion into a symbol of Campania enology. And I say this not only as a founder of Vinoway, but as a privileged observer who has had the pleasure of knowing it personally only a few years, and which con this short time has learned to deeply appreciate its style, consistency and humanity.
Silvia, a former photojournalist, con the 90s he decided to return to his land, to San Cipriano Picentino, to cultivate a vision. Flanked by Riccardo Cotarella, one of the greatest Italian winemakers, gives life to a bold and out of the patterns: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Aglianico. Thus was born Montevetrano, a wine that immediately amazes for depth, balance, finesse. Robert Parker defines him as “southern Sassicaia” – a recognition that does not happen by chance.
His company extends over 26 hectares, of which 5.5 vines, con one of the most suitable areas of Campania, between sea and mountains. Here Silvia cultivates the vine with love, respect and obsessive attention to quality. There is mai room for the quantity con itself: the production is around 30,000 bottles year, all treated with the attention of a craftsman.
Each bottle of Montevetrano is the result of a tailored enology, which begins con the vineyard and is completed con the cellar with precise refinements con new French oak barrique. A wine capable of aging, of telling time, of exciting.
But Silvia didn’t stop there. With the Cuore line, he wanted to give voice to the native vines: Aglianico and Piedirosso for the red , Fiano and Greek for the white . Authentic, immediate, vibrant wines. Real wines. Wines that speak of territory and identity.
When, together with the Vinoway Selection jury, we decided to award Silvia Imparato the prize as “Best Italian wine businessman 2023”, it was a special moment. We did it not only for the extraordinary quality of its wines, but for everything that represents: determination, consistency, the ability to aspetto forward without ever losing the roots.
Silvia is an example. A point of reference. A pioneer. And with pride I can say that even his wines – Montevetrano and Cuore – are part of the wineway selection, among the best labels that we select every year with rigor and passion.
Today Silvia is flanked by her daughter Gaia, who carries out a family story with enthusiasm and sensitivity that has become great. Seeing them working together is the confirmation that this world needs passion, authenticity and continuity.
Montevetrano is not just a wine. It is a lesson of style and life. It is the demonstration that excellence can also arise from the South. And I, with the whole team of Vinoway, am proud to tell it.
