Vesuvio

The "Vesuvio" Protected Designation of Origin includes the following wines: White, Red, Rosé and Lacryma Christi (white, sparkling white, fortified white, red, rosé).

Grapes

All the white wines of the denomination (including Lacryma Christi) are produced from grapes coming from vineyards composed by at least 35% of the vine Coda di Volpe (locally also called Caprettone or Crapettone) in addition with 45% (maximum) of Verdeca. Moreover, the Falanghina and Greco vines can also contribute to the vinification, for a percentage that must not exceed 20%. The production of red wines, on the other hand, requires 50% (minimum) of Piedirosso (also called Palombina) and 30% (maximum) of Sciascinoso, plus any 20% (maximum) of Aglianico.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Vesuvio Bianco (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 11% vol.) is a pale straw yellow wine, with a vinous and pleasant aroma and a dry and slightly acidulous taste. Vesuvio Rosato (10.5% vol.), on the other hand, has a variable intensity of colouring, accompanied by a pleasantly fruity perfume and a dry and harmonious flavour. Those characteristics are the same for Vesuvio Rosso (10.5% vol.), which has a pleasant ruby aspect, more or less intense, associated with a pleasantly vinous scent. The Lacryma Christi versions, following the correspondence of colour, have the same organoleptic characteristics, but a slightly higher alcoholic content which, in all three productions, is equal to 12% vol. 

Grape production area

The wines of the denomination are born in a small portion of territory that involves three municipalities, located near Vesuvio.

Specificity and historical notes

Lacryma Christi wines, certainly the most famous with this denomination, are linked to two legends that explain their name. The first tells of a weeping God after Lucifer's expulsion from Paradise. His tears, falling down, gave life to the vines from which the wine Lacryma Christi was born. According to the other legend, instead, Christ, descending to earth, in order to thank a redeemed hermit, transformed his undrinkable drink into an excellent wine.