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Vesuvio wine region is one of the most famous wine regions in Italy. It is located in Naples, a region of Campania, southwest of Italy, and includes vineyards situated on the slopes of Mountain Vesuvius. The soil composition is volcanic, and a wide variety of grapes grow there. The wines from this appellation are known for their high quality, and they can be red, white, rosé, sparkling and even dessert wines like the famous Italian Liquoroso. The wines produced under the Vesuvio PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) that have 1 to 1.5% higher alcohol content are classified as Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio wine, meaning “the tears of Christ”. Vesuvio wines are immensely diversified in style, and their taste is intense and flavourful, precisely thanks to the blessed area where the vines are cultivated.

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Where is the Vesuvio wine region located?

Vesuvio wine appellation is situated in the Metropolitan city of Naples, the capital of the Campania region in the South of Italy. Naples is a famous volcanic area, including Pompeii and Vesuvius, which are active volcanos; therefore, this specificity is reflected in the terroir of this wine region. The Vesuvius vineyards sit on Mount Vesuvius, east of Naples, overlooking the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The neighbouring wine appellations are Campi Flegrei, Avellino, Costa d’Amalfi, Penisola Sorentina and Aversa, all located in Campania, which also covers other appellations in further areas. Vesuvio wine region itself covers the municipalities of Boscotrecase, Ercolano, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Trecase and parts of other municipalities as well, where some vineyards are located.

The history of the Vesuvio wine region

The history of the Vesuvio wine region dates back to ancient Roman times. The first wine production records in this region occur in 79 BC. Many legends are linked to the appellation’s name; for example, the Coda di Volpe, one of the region’s most prominent grape varieties, means “Fox’s tail” in Italian. This name was given to the grapes as the Roman vines, growing in a long bunch, resemble a fox’s tail. Also, there is a legend about the wine name of Lacryma Christi, telling that when Jesus ascended to heaven, his tears fell over the land of Naples, making it as fertile as it is today. In the 18th century, there was an economic boom in viticulture, which led to increased production of wines in this area and more vineyards being planted in all areas surrounding Naples. However, the Vesuvio wine region only started producing premier quality wines in the second part of the twentieth century and was granted appellation status I n 1983.

Vesuvio wine region terroir

The soil of the Vesuvio wine region is volcanic, which means that it has a high level of nutrients and is perfect for grape cultivation. Vesuvio soil mainly consists of dark volcanic sand, pumice, and lapillus, giving the wine smoky and mineral notes. They are rich in potassium, promoting the sweeter taste in wine. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 700 metres above sea level to benefit from the sunlight at its optimum. The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild, wet winters. The frequent breezes from the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea create the ideal microclimate for vines to flourish. 

Vesuvio wine characteristics

Vesuvio wines are known for their extreme diversity in styles and tastes. The main grape varieties used in production are: Piedirosso, Aglianico and Coda di Volpe. However, other blends are also accepted in much lesser amounts, specifically up to 25% of the entire production. Vesuvio vino can be: red, white, rosé, sparkling, or Liquoroso, an extra sweet dessert wine. Liquoroso and white wines are made from the blend of 80% of Coda di Volpe and the remaining 20% of other varieties like Falanghina or Greco. In comparison, rosé and red wines are produced from 80% of Piedirosso, a speciality grape of the region, and 20% of Aglianico grape varieties. Rosé and white wines have the aromas of almond, peaches, pineapple and citruses like orange, lemon and grapefruit, and they can be consumed young. In contrast, red wines require at least minor ageing to attain mineral and smoky aromas from volcanic soil. Over time, they also display the flavours of red fruit like raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and plums. Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio are wines derived from augmenting the alcohol content by 1-1,5%. These wines can be either red, white, or rosé with more or less the same colours and flavours as classic Vesuvian wines. 

Food to pair with Vesuvio wine

Pizza Napoletana 

Napoli or Naples is well-known for having the best pizzas in Italy, and if Italy has the best pizza in the world, it can quickly be concluded that Napoli boasts the best pizza worldwide. Pizza Napoletana is simple yet delicious, made from incredibly soft but crispy dough, crushed fresh tomatoes, tender mozzarella slices and aromatic olive oil, topped with basil leaves and oregano giving it the herbal radiance. This cheesy and chewy pizza is excellent to pair with a glass of your favourite Vesuvio wine.

Caprese Salad

Originating from Naples, this is a traditional salad in Capri island, as its name can tell. This elegant salad is made from heirloom tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic glaze. Like all dishes with mozzarella cheese, Caprese salad goes exceptionally well with Vesuvio red wine.

Parmigiana di Campania

This baked layer of delicacy is a version of Lasagna from the region of Campania. Made from Parmigiano and mozzarella cheeses, aubergines, tomatoes, onions, basil leaves, and olive oil, this cheesy and mouthwatering stew is splendid to accompany by Vesuvio white or sparkling wine. 

Places to visit in the Vesuvio wine region

Vesuvio National Park

Vesuvio National Park is a national park in Italy. It is located on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and is the only active volcano in Europe. It is an excellent place to walk around and enjoy its views from one of the world’s highest points.

Archaeological Park of Pompeii

The archaeological park of Pompeii covers a large area that includes many buildings and monuments from the ancient Roman city, including the arena, which has been found to have a capacity for 20,000 spectators. It is one of the world’s rarest archaeological sites preserved for posterity. It is a place where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and experience their lives, culture, and civilization.

Villa of the Mysteries 

Villa dei misteri, or the Villa of the Mysteries, is a large Roman country house in Pompeii, which includes many paintings and frescoes. It is one of the most well-preserved examples of an ancient Roman villa. The villa was built in the early 1st century BC, and its original owner has been lost to history. It began as a modest country house but was transformed into a luxurious residence with the addition of an atrium, peristyle garden, and entrances. The villa’s frescoes depict various scenes from Greek mythology. Visiting this villa is an excellent opportunity to discover more about ancient Greco-Roman culture and history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vesuvio Wine region

Where is the Vesuvio wine region located?

Vesuvio wine region is located in the Mountains of Vesuvio, in Naples, Campania, southwest of Italy.

What kind of wine is Vesuvio?

There are two styles of wines: Vesuvio vino, which is classic wine and can be red, white, rosé, sparkling or Liquoroso and Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, which has 1-1,5% higher alcohol content and can also be the same colours and types as Vesuvio vino.

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Vesuvio