ORGANIC BY PRINCIPLE RAISED ON VESUVIO
Since 1996 we have cultivated our volcanic vineyards organically on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, growing native grapes with care and tradition and crafting wines that reflect the purity and character of our land.
WE AIM FOR
SUSTAINABILITY IN ALL PHASES OF PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION.
We’ve been farming our 18 hectares of Piedirosso, Caprettone,and Aglianico vines organically since 1996, gaining official organic certification in 2006. We’re proud to meet strict organic production standards in both Europe and the US, one of the few Italian wineries to do so.
Organic Viticulture
As a certified organic wine producer, we don’t use artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides. This results in wine that’s not only healthier to drink but also a pure expression of its origin. We take pride in the sandy, volcanic, potassium-rich soils, south-to-southwest orientation, and altitude of our vineyards and aim to reflect this unique terroir in every bottle of wine.
Our Grapes
CAPRETTONE
WINES
Vesuvius Lacryma Christi Bianco DOC
STORY
Caprettone is a white grape that’s indigenous to Vesuvius and grown hardly anywhere else in the world. As such, it offers a unique tasting experience to our wine lovers. The name Caprettone translates as ‘big goat’ because the grape clusters resemble a goat's beard.
PRODUCTION
We use an ancient system of trellising known as ‘pergola’ to cultivate Caprettone. This method provides ample shade and protection for the grapes and vine roots and, with global warming, is becoming even more essential in our vineyards.
PIEDIROSSO
WINES
Piedirosso (Per'e Palummo) for Vesuvio Lacryma Christi Rosato and Rosso DOC
STORY
Piedirosso is a black grape widely planted across Campania and is one of the region’s specialties. It’s our winery's main red grape variety. In the local dialect, this grape is called Per'e Palummo ("pigeon's foot") because that's what its red stem resembles when separated fromthe grapes.
PRODUCTION
We use the espalier system which supports aeration and sunlight, promoting full maturation and sugar levels that allow for optimal fermentation during the winemaking process.
AGLIANICO
WINES
Spumante Rosé and Reserve, blended with Piedirosso
STORY
Aglianico is a black grape that thrives in the heat of Campania. It’s best known for its red wines but also makes superb rosé and sparking styles, a feature we’ve taken advantage of in our wine production.
DOC - Denominazione d’Origine Controllata
In Italy, the DOC classification of wines is among the highest. Translating as ‘designation of controlled origin’, it encompasses exacting rules about permitted grape varieties, harvest yields, and maturation requirements. This results in finessed wines that express a sense of place and tradition that can’t be captured anywhere else.
At Cantina del Vesuvio, several of our wines are honored with DOC status. We respect this privilege by producing them to the stringent standards the ranking demands.
Sulfites
Winemaking produces a very low quantity of sulfites naturally. It’s an integral part of the process. However, that’s where Cantina del Vesuvio and sulfites part company. Unlike other wineries, through our organic production methods, we don’t add any additional sulfites to our wines at any stage.
WINE CLUB