Terroir Summary:
Donnachiara’s estate extends across approximately 27 hectares of vineyards positioned between 500 and 600 metres above sea level, primarily around Montefalcione and within the Taurasi zone, including the village of Torre Le Nocelle. The vineyards are distributed across a range of hillside sites, benefiting from varied exposures and elevations that reflect the fragmented landscape of Irpinia. Soils are predominantly clay–calcareous with notable volcanic and tuff components. Situated along a ridge dividing the Sabato and Calore river basins, the landscape is defined by a mix of vineyard parcels interspersed with woodland, olive groves and traditional agricultural land, reinforcing the region’s identity as one of Southern Italy’s most distinctive elevated terroirs.
Heritage:
The Petitto family has cultivated vineyards in Irpinia for generations, historically supplying grapes rather than producing wine. The Donnachiara brand was established in 2005, when Chiara Petitto began vinifying estate fruit. Named after her grandmother, Donna Chiara Mazzarelli Petitto, the estate builds on a legacy of resilience and stewardship. A major shift came in 2009, when Ilaria Petitto joined the business, refining its focus on quality, DOCG production and international presence. Since 2013, consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarella has guided winemaking, supporting greater precision and consistency, particularly across Taurasi and Fiano di Avellino.
Philosophy:
Donnachiara’s philosophy focuses on indigenous grape varieties cultivated across hillside vineyards where altitude, soil diversity and exposure play a defining role in site expression. Sustainability is key, with integrated pest management practices and reduced vineyard inputs supporting environmental balance. The winery is powered entirely by solar energy, and water is conserved through rainwater collection and natural recycling systems. Vineyard work prioritises low yields, canopy management and selective harvesting to ensure optimal fruit quality at full physiological ripeness. In the cellar, a combination of controlled fermentation, measured extraction and tailored maturation is employed to maintain varietal clarity while supporting structure and ageing potential, particularly for Taurasi.
People:
Donnachiara is led by CEO Ilaria Petitto, representing the third generation of the family and guiding the estate’s strategic, agronomic and winemaking direction. Vineyard management remains under direct family control, with founder Chiara Petitto continuing to be involved with vineyard management, while Ilaria coordinates agronomic decisions and overall production, ensuring a cohesive approach from vineyard to cellar. Since 2013, the estate has worked with consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, whose role focuses on technical refinement in the winery and the continued development of wine style. Together, this integrated structure supports a consistent, quality-driven approach across all aspects of production.
Beyond the Vine:
Donnachiara places strong emphasis on research and experimentation as part of its long-term development. The estate is actively engaged in studies on closures and wine evolution, examining how different sealing systems influence ageing trajectories across vintages and in the context of a changing climate. Particular focus is given to Fiano di Avellino, a variety noted for its extended ageing potential, with trials comparing natural cork and alternative closures to better understand long-term bottle development. This research is supported by the estate’s archive of back vintages, allowing vertical analysis over time and contributing to a deeper understanding of Irpinia’s white wines.
