Italiano
Cantine del Mare, Campi Flegrei’s treasure
The Cantine del Mare winery of Gennaro Schiano in Campi Flegrei has very old vineyards that face the sea with native varieties at their best.
Cantina del Mare exists in a state of freedom and grace, one which reawakens a sense of intimacy with beauty that one can only experience when surrounded by the perfection of nature. To understand this one need only stroll through the daring vineyards planted on cliffs with vines that grown down the slopes to the sea with rows creating paths and gardens (urban vineyards) between the city’s residences.
This is extreme winegrowing in the suggestive setting of Campi Flegrei, where the use of machinery is impossible while the position offers unforgettable views of Monte di Procida, Ischia, Capri, Vivara and Vesuvius.
The 11 hectares of vineyards have vines that are an average of 80 years old and are rooted in a volcanic soil rich in yellow tuff and trachyte divided into small parcels hosting the native varietals Piedirosso and Falanghina along with the ancient biotypes Pisciarella, Sorricella and Luvillisula, varieties typical to Monte di Procida. The largest vineyard has over-100-year-old vines that have never been grafted and it is only two hectares in size, situated in Cigliano near the Solfatara volcanic area near Pozzuoli.
Cantina del Mare is owned by Gennaro Schiano who for over a decade has worked to bring back and enhance the value of the territory’s genetic patrimony. He inherited it from his father and is not only a winegrower-maker but also a farmer who cultivates fruits, legumes and traditional vegetables in spectacular gardens on the side of Capo Miseno. Aside from its very personal still wines, the winery also produces a sweet wine and a Charmat Method bubbly for a total of 50,000 bottles.
