A breezy terrace overlooking the sea of Naples with Vesuvius behind you, spaghetti with the sweet piennolo tomato sauce as you’ve never had along with the savoury wines of the volcano area on which you stamp your feet. What else?

This is the ready and fascinating offer of Cantina del Vesuvio of the Russo family with its renovated structure for a genuine tourist offer. The photos speak for themselves.

The wines range from lively rosé, both in the sparkling version (such as the refreshing and light “Capafresc”, long Martinotti method, Extra dry, from Aglianco grape), and still (with the immediate and tasty Lacryma Christi rosé, Piedirosso, vintage 2020); to the well-known Lacryma Christi white, from Caprettone, and red, from Piedirosso. The first ones are dry and mineral with greater fruity exuberance in the classic version and more sobriety and depth in the “Superiore” version; the second ones of good body given the contribution of the wood with that hint of ash and the bitter finish that leaves no doubt about the origin, especially for the Lacryma Christi Rosso Superiore. While, the Riserva version includes 20% Aglianico and ages in wood longer for a dense red with good potential. The production is from about 16 hectares (40 acres), certified as organic since 2015.

vesuvio

What’s more, the territory is enhanced not only through the choice of meticulously selected local products paired to wines, but also thanks to the offer of productions that complete the experience. I am referring to the Passito, dessert wine made from typical grapes such as Fiano and Caprettone, the typical Italian Spirt: Grappa from Piedirosso and Caprettone as well as the delicious apricot spirit, another territorial excellence, yet the wine vinegar dressing made from Lacryma Christi grapes that drives Americans crazy.

Congratulations to Maurizio and his entire family, starting with his son as well as the ‘Donna del Vino’ Ester (protagonist, for example, of the cooking courses organized in the company), to always look forward with such vivacity of spirit.

maurizio russo