Production Methods

At Cantina Del Vesuvio, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s our way of life. From vineyard to bottle, every phase of production and distribution is guided by respect for the land and the people who cultivate it.

Since 1996, we have farmed our volcanic vineyards organically, cultivating native grapes like Piedirosso, Caprettone, and Aglianico without synthetic chemicals. In 2006, we earned official organic certification, and today we proudly meet the rigorous organic standards of both the European Union and the United States—an achievement that sets us apart among Italian wineries.

Organic Viticulture

As a certified organic winery, we are committed to natural farming—free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. This approach not only ensures cleaner, healthier wines, but allows the authentic voice of our land to come through in every bottle.

Our vineyards thrive in sandy, potassium-rich volcanic soil, positioned on sun-drenched slopes facing south and southwest. The elevation and unique microclimate of Mount Vesuvius create ideal growing conditions, giving our wines their distinct minerality, elegance, and structure. Each bottle is crafted to express the full identity of this extraordinary terroir.

Our Grapes

Caprettone

Our Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco DOC Classico & Superiore is made primarily from Caprettone, a rare white grape found almost exclusively on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Its name—meaning “big goat”—comes from the shape of the grape clusters, said to resemble a goat’s beard.

This indigenous variety offers wine lovers a truly unique expression of Vesuvian terroir: crisp, mineral, and full of character. To cultivate Caprettone, we rely on the traditional pergola vine training system, an ancient method that shades the fruit and roots—crucial in today’s warming climate.

Every glass reflects the rich history of the volcano and the resilience of the vines that grow on its slopes.

Piedirosso

Our Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosato and Rosso DOC Classico, Superiore & Riserva are crafted from Piedirosso, the signature red grape of Campania. Known locally as Per’e Palummo—or “pigeon’s foot”—this name comes from the vivid red stems of the grape clusters, which resemble the foot of a pigeon once detached.

Piedirosso is deeply rooted in the volcanic terroir of Mount Vesuvius, producing elegant and expressive wines with soft tannins, bright red fruit, and hints of volcanic minerality. At Cantina Del Vesuvio, it’s our flagship red variety and a key to our identity.

We cultivate Piedirosso using the espalier training system, which maximizes airflow and sun exposure—essential for full ripening and balanced sugar levels. This traditional method supports optimal fermentation and helps us achieve structure, depth, and age-worthiness, especially in our Superiore and Riserva selections.

Aglianico

Our Spumante Rosé and Red Reserve celebrate the volcanic energy of Mount Vesuvius through a refined blend of Piedirosso and Aglianico, two of Campania’s most iconic red grape varieties.

While Aglianico is traditionally known for bold red wines, its vibrant acidity and natural structure also make it ideal for elegant sparkling and rosé styles. Thriving in the sun-drenched, mineral-rich soils of our estate, Aglianico adds complexity and freshness to the blend, complementing the delicate fruit and floral notes of Piedirosso.

The result is a bright, expressive sparkling wine that captures both the intensity of the volcano and the finesse of our organic winemaking.

No Added Sulfites

While winemaking naturally generates small amounts of sulfites, many producers add more during the process to stabilize the wine. At Cantina Del Vesuvio, we take a different path.

Thanks to our certified organic methods and careful vineyard management, we don’t need to add any extra sulfites at any stage of production. Our wines are crafted to be as natural and authentic as possible—expressing the true essence of the grape, the soil, and the volcano, without unnecessary intervention.

DOC – Denominazione d’Origine Controllata

In Italy, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) is one of the highest classifications a wine can receive. It signifies strict regulations on grape varieties, vineyard yields, winemaking methods, and aging requirements—all designed to preserve the authenticity and heritage of specific regions.

At Cantina Del Vesuvio, we’re proud to produce several wines under the prestigious Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC designation. This status isn’t just a label—it’s a commitment. We honor it by crafting our wines with precision, integrity, and deep respect for the traditions and terroir of Mount Vesuvius.