📍 Vesuvius

Vesuvius is an active volcano near Naples in southern Italy, in the region of Campania. Grapes have grown on its slopes for ages, and the wines of the zone are protected under the Vesuvio appellation. The best-known wine is Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, meaning “tears of Christ”. The name covers white, red and rosé wines, and there are sparkling and fortified versions as well.

The soil is volcanic: black sand, ash and pumice. It drains well and warms up quickly, and some vines still grow on their own roots, ungrafted. The grapes ripen in a warm Mediterranean climate on slopes from the shore up to several hundred metres, while nights bring cool air from the sea.

Whites are made from Coda di Volpe, Falanghina and local grapes such as Caprettone. Reds and rosés are based on Piedirosso, often with Aglianico added. A separate small appellation, Catalanesca del Monte Somma, is named after a rare white grape, and the Pompeiano designation is linked to the vineyards of ancient Pompeii.

For comparison with its neighbours: Vesuvius is part of Campania; north of it lie the Phlegraean Fields with the same Piedirosso, and to the east the high-altitude Irpinia with Taurasi.