"This is an Italian wine story of land and passion of the Apollonio family since 1870."
APOLLONIO 1870, WINE COMPANY, PUGLIA, ITALY
“Passions flourish out
of small seeds”
“An Italian story since 1870”
Salvatore
1960 | Third generation
Marcello Apollonio would frequently visit the winery with his son Salvatore, nurturing in him the same devotion and adeptness at adapting to evolving circumstances that he himself possessed. Emerging from the aftermath of World War II, a period in transition from scarcity to prosperity, and witnessing shifts in the market dynamics, Salvatore astutely discerned promising avenues for business growth. Through the implementation of sound business practices, he initiated a transformative phase defined by streamlined and contemporary production methods. The year 1975 marked the commencement of a significant chapter, as Salvatore embarked on the bottling of premium wines under the revered Apollonio label.
Noè
1870 | The beginnings
It was in 1870 that Noè Apollonio embarked on his winemaking journey by planting his own vineyard and crafting wine for the very first time. His wealth of experience was not a coincidence, having inherited it from his father Tommaso, a producer and wine merchant born in 1828, and his grandfather Giuseppe, a peasant born in 1805. The late 19th century posed challenges with a phylloxera epidemic sweeping through Europe, compelling winegrowers to replant vineyards with new varieties. During this period, wine held a paramount significance, serving not only as sustenance but also as solace and nourishment. Noè's unwavering dedication led him to delve into this enduring pursuit, supported by his family and diligent workers. Nestled in his hometown of Aradeo on "Via dei Pozzi Dolci", the street renowned for wineries and pasta-makers, lay his winery where grapes were transformed into distinctive wines. Among his renowned creations were the Negramaro and Primitivo wines, derived from grapes cultivated in the villages of Aradeo, Neviano, and Cutrofiano, within the mineral-rich soils of the “Cafari”.
Marcello
1920 | Second generation
Driven by the same passion inherited from his father Noè, Marcello proved to be just as hardworking and enthusiastic. After relocating to the town of Maglie, he acquired several vineyards and leased numerous wine plants spanning the Salento territory, from the picturesque “Valle della Cupa” (the Cupa valley) to the fertile “Arneo” land, extending to those situated in the Basilicata region. Continuously on the move across the region riding a gig during World War II and by car post the war's conclusion, Marcello successfully catered to his extensive clientele, particularly those hailing from northern Italy. Salento’s wine, recognized for its elevated alcoholic content, became a sought-after "blending wine" for wine merchants in Piedmont, Veneto, Lombardy, and Tuscany, who purchased it in bulk for their wines. Regularly convening every Monday, numerous local producers met at the “Caffè della Borsa” to establish market prices, with the café offering a view of a Roman amphitheatre recently unearthed.
Marcello e Massimiliano
1995 | Fourth generation
At the helm of the company since 1995, Marcello and Massimiliano Apollonio, representing the fourth generation of the family legacy, lead with a blend of profound enthusiasm, unwavering passion, and a wealth of field experience. Their unwavering dedication propelled them to venture beyond national boundaries, aspiring to broaden the reach of their offerings. Embracing a new era of governance, Apollonio strategically honed its craft in the art of wine aging while significantly enhancing its global retail footprint. The brand has meticulously diversified its wine portfolio, consistently aiming for excellence in every bottle crafted. Today, Apollonio's exquisite wines grace the shelves of retailers in 35 countries, garnering admiration for narrating a tale of heritage and a sense of place that remains unblemished and authentic.
