Galardi
“Perhaps we feel it is our duty to restore dignity to this land that embodies such a magnificent history.
A land that rewards us every year with a timeless and unforgettable wine at every vintage. Terra di Lavoro.”
- Allegra Selvaggi
Galardi was born of the courageous vision of Roberto Selvaggi, a passionate lover of Bordeaux wines. In 1991, Roberto decided to produce a premium red wine on lands inherited by his wife, Maria Luisa, in the province of Caserta. Nestled on the slopes of the Roccamonfina volcano, the property comprised several hectares of chestnut and olive groves. There, on a small, half-hectare parcel, the family planted non-native vines, founding the estate alongside Maria Luisa and cousins Arturo Celentano, Dora Catello, and Francesco Catello.
Three years later, under the guidance of renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, Galardi's flagship wine, Terra di Lavoro, made its debut. A masterful blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso grafted onto the estate's volcanic soil, this first vintage marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Over the next few years, the estate focused on expanding its vineyards, achieving organic certification, and establishing its presence on the winemaking scene. Their dedication paid off spectacularly in 2003, when critic Robert Parker awarded the 2001 Terra di Lavoro vintage a near-perfect 99 points, instantly elevating the wine to an international icon.
A new chapter began in 2018 when Allegra Selvaggi, Roberto’s daughter, took the helm of the family winery. Devoting herself personally to both the vineyards and the cellar, Allegra introduced a defining change to the estate's philosophy: she extended the bottle-ageing process, purposefully postponing the release of each vintage by a year to ensure even greater depth and complexity.
