The winery
La Guardiense
Wine cooperative based in Guardia Sanframondi (BN), founded in 1960; one of Italy's largest cooperatives with about 1,000 members and over 1,500 hectares of vineyards. Produces several ranges (Janare, Fremondo, Classica, Sparkling) and wines from the Sannio area, including Sannio Coda di Volpe. ([laguardiense.it](https://www.laguardiense.it/))
- Campania (Province of Benevento, Sannio area). ([laguardiense.it](https://www.laguardiense.it/)) · Italy. ([laguardiense.it](https://www.laguardiense.it/))
- Since 1960
- 6 products
The story
Founded as a cooperative in 1960 by 33 members; construction of the enopoly (1961); first harvest (1963); international recognitions (e.g. Bacchus Prix 1976); first company sparkling wine (1986); internal renewal/“re‑evolution” (1997); collaboration with enologist Riccardo Cotarella (2007); opening to on‑site hospitality (2010); first winery in Campania certified SQNPI for grape sustainability (2018); acquisition of the Pugliano Experimental Farm (2020). ([laguardiense.it](https://www.laguardiense.it/))
Production philosophy
Enhance the Sannio territory through agricultural cooperation, technical innovation and environmental sustainability: use of renewable energy (photovoltaic plant), wastewater treatment plant to minimize impact, and adoption of certified practices (SQNPI). Supports wine tourism and zoning projects (e.g. the Janare range). ([sannio.wine](https://www.sannio.wine/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LaGuardiense_brochure.pdf))
Terroir and vineyards
Area: Sannio (Benevento), Telesina Valley. Varied soils: alluvial terraces, volcanic plateaus on tuff, hills on marls; vineyards around 350–450 m above sea level (terroir description per the winery). For the Sannio Coda di Volpe: 12 hectares planted; calcareous‑clayey soils and sandstones; training systems Guyot and low cordon (cordone speronato). ([laguardiense.it](https://www.laguardiense.it/collezioni/sannio-coda-di-volpe-doc/))
Awards and recognition
Among the awards mentioned: Bacchus Prix International; Oscar for Best Innovation in Wine for the "I Mille" project.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Falanghina
- Aglianico
- Fiano
- Greco
- Coda di Volpe
- Piedirosso
- Sangiovese
- Hectares
- 1500.0
- Bottles per year
- 6000000
What makes it distinctive
- Cooperative with a large membership base
- Strong focus on native grape varieties and identity-led ranges
- Zonation projects and applied research
- Collaboration with winemaker Riccardo Cotarella
- Documented commitment to sustainability
- Indicated production: approximately 150,000 hL per year
