Rivera's drive for top quality begins with the uncompromising management programme for its 95 hectares of estate vineyards. Trained to the spur-pruned cordon system at a density of some 4,800 vines per hectare to ensure low yields, they are divided into three main sections.

The first two, Torre di Bocca and Coppa vineyards, are planted at elevations ranging from 200 to 220 metres on deep calcareous tufa soils, and predominantly to red grape varieties. The third section, the Lama di Corvo vineyard, is higher up, between 320 and 350 metres, in the rough, rocky hills of the Murgia; this altitude is perfect for ripening white varieties. A handful of trusted grapegrowers supply the remainder of the grapes that are needed.