Cantine Del Notaio

Heritage:

The roots of Cantine del Notaio lie in a long-standing family tradition of winemaking, with the Giuratrabocchetti family connected to viticulture for generations in the Vulture region. The modern estate was established in 1998, when Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti — trained in Agricultural Science — and his wife Marcella committed to exploring the potential of Aglianico del Vulture. Building on this inherited knowledge, they set out to combine tradition, innovation and a strong respect for terroir. A key moment in the estate’s evolution was the collaboration with Luigi Moio, Professor of Enology at the University of Naples, which initiated extensive research into this complex, late-ripening grape. This work helped shape a more refined and expressive winemaking approach, reinforcing Aglianico’s status as one of southern Italy’s most significant varieties, and underpinning the estate’s ongoing focus on both heritage and innovation.

Philosophy:

Cantine del Notaio follows a research-driven philosophy centred on unlocking the full potential of Aglianico del Vulture while preserving the integrity of its origin. Under the leadership of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti — widely recognised for championing both the grape and the region — the estate combines deep historical knowledge with continuous experimentation. Viticulture is guided by principles inspired by organic and biodynamic practices, avoiding synthetic inputs and instead focusing on soil vitality, water retention and ecological balance within the vineyard. Particular attention is given to Aglianico’s long ripening cycle, with staggered harvests used to explore different expressions of the same variety. This thoughtful, hands-on approach extends through to ageing in natural tufa caves, ensuring wines that balance structure, elegance and longevity.

People:

Cantine del Notaio is led by Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti, whose long-standing commitment to the Vulture region has played a significant role in elevating both Aglianico del Vulture and its international reputation. With a background in Agricultural Science, he combines technical expertise with a deeply rooted family connection to the land, working alongside his wife Marcella to guide the estate’s direction. The ongoing collaboration with Luigi Moio continues to refine the understanding of Aglianico’s complexity and potential. Together, this blend of family heritage, scientific insight and regional advocacy underpins a focused and progressive approach to both viticulture and winemaking.

Beyond the Vine:

Monte Vulture’s soils play a defining role in the character of the wines. Rich in mineral elements, the volcanic terrain is underpinned by deep layers of tufa rock, which act as natural reservoirs — retaining water during dry periods in a process locally described as “milking the tufa”. A defining feature of Cantine del Notaio is its system of historic underground tufa caves, dating back to the 1600s and originally used by Franciscan monks. Extending for significant distances beneath the town, these cellars provide constant temperature and humidity, ideal for ageing wines.