I Borboni

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About Winery and Wines

The foundation of the I Borboni winery originated from the roots of the Numeroso family. Already owners, since the second half of the 18th century, of twenty hectares of vineyards with the legendary training system known as "vite maritata al pioppo" (vine married to the poplar), the Numeroso family exclusively devoted themselves to reselling the grapes obtained from the patient care of centuries-old vines. The tradition, which in the early 1900s relied on a predominantly quantitative production concept, led the Numeroso family to become suppliers to the Buton company with a supply of approximately 100 tons per year of Asprinio, which served as the base wine for the famous sparkling wines and brandy in vogue at that time. They also supplied the Cirio company for the production of vinegars and sold a modest quantity to the French for the production of Champagne bases.

The first fundamental turning point is attributed to the successful intuition of their friend Gabriele Lovisetto, who was the director of Buton at the time. In the early 1970s, he convinced the Numeroso family to undertake a large-scale innovative transformation of their vineyards, transitioning from the traditional trellising system to the more modern "sylvoz" system. Toward the end of the 1970s, due to a profound territorial, economic, and social crisis that led to the disappearance of buyers for Asprinio grapes, the Numeroso family initiated the first experiments in the sparkling wine production of Asprinio.

In light of the initial satisfactory results, in 1982, the "I Borboni" brand was registered as a tribute to the glorious people of the Bourbons, a nickname given to the southern people who experienced the golden age of southern Italy. Thus, the "Cooperativa Asprinio di Aversa – I Borboni" (Asprinio Cooperative of Aversa - I Borboni) was born.

And it is precisely in this phase that the peasant character of Cav. Nicola Numeroso reveals itself in all its stubbornness. Supported by his brother Raffaele Numeroso, he launches his challenge to rescue Asprinio, otherwise destined for extinction, until the approval of the recognition process, first for the IGT (Typical Geographical Indication), and finally, in 1993, for the DOC Asprinio di Aversa.

In 1996, the two cousins with the same name, Carlo '66 and Carlo '72 Numeroso, sons of the brothers Nicola and Raffaele, began the renovation of the ancient family house dating back to the second half of the 16th century. The house was built on a tuff cave in the heart of the historic center of Lusciano. They patiently restored it according to technical standards, completing their project of establishing the I Borboni winery in 1998.

In this way, the traditional vinification of Asprinio is recovered in the caves, dug 15 meters deep beneath the ancestral homes. These caves are unique for their environments, particularly suitable for conservation, providing the right humidity, absence of light, and constant temperature throughout the year. The choice to bring the production process back to the facilities in the historic center reflects a firm commitment to safeguard the ties with the tradition that Asprinio demands. The Numeroso family is determined not to forgo these ties, despite the undeniable practicality that the spacious countryside allows. Such a move would alter the cycles and, consequently, the typical characteristics of the wines.

Today, this tradition, following the premature passing of Carlo Numeroso '66, is upheld with extreme pride and boundless love by his cousin Carlo '72 and son Nicola Numeroso. This duo is capable of bringing innovation while maintaining a constant focus on the preservation of traditions.

At I Borboni, the passion for winemaking spans generations, rooted in the Numeroso family's centuries-old vineyards. From the innovative transformation of vineyards in the '70s to the revival of Asprinio, their commitment to tradition is unwavering. Explore their range of sparkling wines and Asprinio-based creations, a testament to the family's dedication. For more details, visit their website at www.iborboni.it.