Just an hour from Naples (birthplace of pizza) and the ancient ruins of Pompeii lies one of Italy's most exciting wine discoveries. Meet Nativ Winery, founded in 2008 in Irpinia's heart by the legendary Dr. Mario Ercolino and Dr. Roberta Pirone.

For those who don’t know, Dr. Mario Ercolino is a titan in the Italian wine industry. If you've heard of the iconic Feudi di San Gregorio, a cult favorite among Italian wine lovers, it's thanks to Ercolino, who redefined Southern Italian wine and put that winery on the map. He was also at the helm of San Marzano producing some of the highest awarded wines from Puglia. Now, his focus is on his own brand Nativ from Irpinia, a region poised to rival the world's most celebrated winegrowing areas.

Here's why this matters: Irpinia sits on rich volcanic soils from ancient Mount Vesuvius eruptions, with layers of ash, pumice, and basalt creating mineral-rich, perfectly-drained terroir that's absolute magic for native grapes like Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, and the powerhouse Aglianico. Nativ’s wines are made from native grapes (hence the name) that have defined the region for centuries, representing the true essence of “Made in Italy.”

Wine Enthusiast calls Taurasi wines "southern Italy's answer to Barolo and Brunello"—structured, complex, with serious aging potential. The region's winemaking tradition predates the Greeks' arrival in the 8th century BCE.

These aren't the rustic wines of old that need decades to drink. As one of only 415 "Italian Wine Ambassadors" worldwide, our Greg Martellotto discovered Nativ and was blown away. "These are not the rustic wines of old that require decades of aging.  One of the most successful qualities of the wines from Nativ is how generous they are. These are not shy wines.”

We’re proud to be the direct importers of this stunning gem, bringing you the very best of Irpinia!

Fun Fact: Blu Onice wine comes from grapes grown near the legendary onyx quarry that supplied stone for the Royal Palace of Caserta—same terroir, same minerals.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels

100% Aglianico. Violet reflexes, intense and smooth on the palate with notes of red berries and hints of vanilla.

98 Points~ Luca Maroni, I Migliori Vini Italiani, Italy's Best Wines Guide 2022

An array of ripe black and blue fruit with sweet spices, dark chocolate, cloves and cedar. Full-bodied with glossy tannins and an intense, waxy dark fruit character. Rich and bold with a toasty and nutty finish. Drink now. ~91 James Suckling