Tenuta San Francesco: Preserving the Soul of the Amalfi Coast Through Ancient Vines

Tucked into the verdant hills of Tramonti—the “green heart” of the Amalfi Coast—Tenuta San Francesco is a living tribute to the past and a shining example of what the future of wine can be when tradition, sustainability, and passion converge. Founded in 2004 by four childhood friends—Gaetano and Generoso Bove, Vincenzo D’Avino, and Luigi Giordano—the estate was born not just to make wine, but to save history.

The estate spans 16 hectares, of which a remarkable 8 are home to historic vineyards, some with vines aged between 50 and 300 years. These ancient, gnarled plants—many of them still growing on their own roots thanks to the region’s phylloxera-resistant volcanic soils—represent a near-miraculous survival of centuries of viticultural heritage. Nestled in a landscape once trodden by Roman feet and mere kilometers from Pompeii, the vineyards were enriched over millennia by layers of ash and pumice, creating a terroir that is as rich in nutrients as it is in stories.

These old vines include a fascinating collection of indigenous varieties: Tintore, the estate’s emblematic grape, known for its deep color and structure; Piedirosso, offering elegance and lift; and rarities like Pepella and Biancazita, which add aromatic delicacy and freshness to white blends. Ginestra and Biancolella bring floral and citrusy brightness, while Olivella and Sciascinoso contribute spice and acidity to red cuvées. Each grape plays its part in preserving Tramonti’s unique viticultural identity.

The crown jewel of Tenuta San Francesco is the “È Iss prephylloxera”, an IGT Campania wine crafted from Tintore vines up to 300 years old. With only 3,000–4,000 bottles produced annually, it is the winery’s most treasured cru—one that embodies not only the bold character of the ancient Tintore grape but also the timeless resilience of the Tramonti valley. Other exceptional wines include the Tramonti Rosso, Tramonti Bianco, and Rosato Ed, all DOC Costa d’Amalfi, alongside the Piedirosso Vecchie Vigne and a classic-method sparkling wine, Altacosta.

These wines are grown on atypical pergola systems, a traditional training method adapted to Tramonti’s steep, terraced slopes. But what sets these vineyards apart isn’t just age or rarity—it’s stewardship. From the beginning, Tenuta San Francesco has embraced sustainable, low-impact viticulture. Vines are tied with willow rather than plastic, soils are nourished with natural manure and crop rotation, and absolutely no synthetic chemicals are used—a nod to the fact that these vines predate the chemical age entirely.

With a current production of around 80,000 bottles, Tenuta San Francesco remains a boutique estate, yet its impact is anything but small. Visitors who walk through these vineyards are stepping through a living museum, a stretch of land where genetic, cultural, and oenological heritage converge. In the words of the owners: “Wine from old vines is a miracle.” And in the glass, that miracle tastes very much alive.

https://www.vinitenutasanfrancesco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tenutasanfrancesco/