Lacryma Christi Bianco Vesuvio DOC

Vineyard and terroir

The Coda di Volpe and Falanghina vines grow in volcanic soil on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. They are between 15 and 25 years old.

Vinification

The grapes are picked by hand in the final weeks of September. They are placed in 18-kilogram crates and transported to the winery in refrigerated vehicles. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at 16–18 °C.

Ageing

The wine ages in stainless steel vats for about 5 months.

Tasting profile

Distinctive aromas of fresh fruit. The palate is soft and elegant.

Label / history

Lacryma Christi wines were originally made by monks in monasteries on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, and later by Jesuits. The name is tied to a legend in which God wept as Lucifer fell into the underworld and the veil of heaven was torn. Grapevines sprang up wherever his tears touched the earth. The legend is set in the Bay of Naples, where God is said to be reflected.

The producer, Feudi di San Gregorio, was founded in 1986. Its first vineyards were in Sorbo Serpico, where the winery is still located. The estate later added hillside sites in Tufo, Santa Paolina and Taurasi, at 350 to 700 m above sea level. Its vineyard area has grown from 30 to 300 hectares. It also owns vineyards in Puglia and Basilicata. A further winery building was completed in 2004 as part of a research project.