Best of Italy: Nativ Vico Riviera No99 from Campania

Nativ is a relatively young (founded in 2008) and small (15 hectares) winery in the south of Italy, in Irpinia wine region within Campania. Nativ Vico Riviera No99 is a white wine made of the indigenous Falanghina grape, and the 2024 vintage won Grand Gold at Winelovers Wine Awards 2025 with 95 points, which made it the Best of Italy!
 

– With 1063 entries at the 4th edition, Winelovers Wine Awards have become the largest wine competition organized in Hungary. 
– Samples came from 13 countries.
– 8 wines received Grand Gold medal, six from Hungary, one from Romania and one from Italy. 
– Altogether 61 Italian wines were entered in the 4th WWA.
– Nativ winery won a Grand Gold, a gold and a silver medal.

The Grand Gold winner – for only 10 EUR!

For Vico Riviera No99 the grapes were harvested in the beginning of October 2024, early in the morning, in a vineyard with soil of clay and limestone. 
After gentle pressing of the bunches, the fermentation took place at controlled temperature, then the wine was maturing in acacia barrel on fine lees with weekly bâtonnage.
Lemon yellow with greenish hue. The nose reveals pear, pistachio and some minty notes. The palate is soft and dense.
It pairs well with seafood, fish plates and shellfish.
And it costs only 10 EUR!
See the wine on the website of the winery

 

Stylish and affordable
The estate looks amazing not only because of the surrounding vineyards, but also due to the estate building furnished with refined taste. Modern pieces of furniture and plants among the barrels make the place surprising and playful.
The winery offers three types of winery visits from 30 to 70 euros, depending on how much time the guests plan to spend there. The most expensive includes the tasting of 5 wines paired with 5 finger foods made of local ingredients and it takes 100 minutes.
More about Nativ winery


A small winery with big zest
Located in the picturesque hills of Taurasi, Nativ winery is nestled in the heart of Paternopoli, one of Irpinia's finest wine regions. Founded in 2008 by renowned oenologist Dr. Mario Ercolino and Dr. Roberta Pirone, Nativ is dedicated to crafting distinctive wines that reflect the unique terroir area. 
The winery specializes in producing terroir-driven varieties such as Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Falanghina, and Aglianico di Taurasi, showcasing the rich heritage of local grape cultivation. 
Irpinia boasts a diverse landscape of hills, mountains, and valleys, providing an ideal environment for viticulture. Nativ's 15 hectares of vineyards are situated in the southeast, benefiting from a unique microclimate that enhances grape quality. The soil, rich in limestone and clay, combined with a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, creates the perfect conditions for growing exceptional vines. This harmonious balance contributes to the distinctive characteristics of Nativ's wines.
Nativ produces an impressive range of nearly 13 different wines, including three exceptional Cru wines that highlight the aromatic qualities of local Irpinia grapes. Their offerings include Irpinia DOC and DOCG wines, as well as a selection from the Campania IGT category. The dedicated team at Nativ employs a unique winemaking style that sets their wines apart, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
Nativ wines are also available in various countries, including Germany, Denmark, England, Spain, Belgium, Canada, China, and Japan.