One of the distinctive features of the Asprinio di Aversa C.D.O. appellation is the traditional way to grow the local ungrafted grapevines, where tall trees serve as natural trellis, resulting in vines that climb up to 82 ft. (25 mt.) high and require the use of very tall ladders to harvest the top grapes – this singular grapevine growing method is also known as Alberata.
Alberata are not easy to maintain, and harvesting them is practically an acrobatic feat. Men must climb up tall, skinny wooden ladders custom-made to each individual's size and position themselves so they can pick with both hands; clippers are not needed because the grapes' thin green stems are easily broken. The grapes are placed in cone-shaped wicker baskets which, when full, are lowered on a rope, emptied and pulled back up again.
Even moving the tall ladders from one spot to another takes a special knack and years of experience. That's quite a lot of trouble for grapes. Only the elders have the necessary skills and the stubbornness to continue, but even they are steadily succumbing to the pressures of time.
The coat of arms of Aversa The 22 communes whose ineyards produce Aversa Asprinio wines are located mostly within Campania's northern Caserta province, arcing around the northwestern side of Naples. Three of the 22 lie slightly south of the rest, bringing the catchment area into the Napoli province and closer to Naples city itself.
Via Costantinopoli, 48 81031 Aversa (CE) Italia
Tel . +39 (0)81 3652387
info@louisparrafieu.it
