Italiano
A tour of Campania in times of Coronavirus
Ten wines that embody their land, traditions and the varietals’ particular characteristics.
One of my all-time favorite books, from the very first time I read is, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Italian Journey, which he wrote between 1813 and 1817.
Inspired by the beauty of his words, when he describes what he sees with the eye of someone who for the first time has come to the land “where lemons flourish”, I will seek to describe several wines that – in this period of emergency – are particularly popular among wines lovers who have an eye on the market and what is going on there.
Goethe described the Campania landscape with incredible, almost emotional enthusiasm as he did the people of the region and those in Naples, in particular, for the way they dealt with life’s extreme challenges with a unique vitality.
And areas like those of Aversa Asprinio, Vesuvius with its Lacryma Christi wine, the Sorrento Peninsula with its wines Lettere and Gragnano and Campi Flegrei, come to life through the words of the great German poet.
The time has come to pay more attention to these wines that – by tasting them – embody magnificent lands, traditions and the particular characteristics of their varietals and have the best quality/price ratio.
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Bianco 2018 Sorrentino
89/100 - € 8,90
A blend of 90% Caprettone and 10% Falanghina organic grapes made in stainless steel. A straw-yellow color and clear aromas of apricot, chamomile, sage and tomato leaf. The pronounced mouthfeel is flavorful with a nuance of flint. Dynamic.
Falerno del Massico Bianco 2018 Villa Matilde
92/100 - € 12,00
Made from the Falanghina biotype Falerna with 20% maturing in amphorae, 5% in barriques and 75% in stainless steel. A straw-yellow color with greens reflections and aromas of yellow fruit, plum and peach, thyme and medicinal herbs. The mouthfeel is broad, fresh and saline with a lovely persistence.
Asprinio di Aversa Vite Maritate 2018 I Borboni
92/100 - € 9,00
Made in stainless steel with grapes from ungrafted Asprinio vines. A yellow-green color and bouquet of citrus, annurca apple and Mediterranean shrubs. The mouthfeel has a distinct, vertical and saline acidity and finishes with a nuance of orange blossom.
Campi Flegrei Falanghina 2016 Contrada Salandra
93/100 - € 13,00
Made from Falanghina grapes in stainless steel. A straw-yellow color and a bouquet of orange blossom, jasmine, plum and quince apple. The fresh mouthfeel is dynamic and very saline with a taut and long finish that has a note of iodine.
Fiano di Avellino 2018 Tenuta del Meriggio
91/100 - € 12,50
Made in stainless steel from Fiano grapes, this wine has a luminous straw-yellow color and an excellent aroma with notes of white flowers, fresh fruit and hints of Mediterranean shrubs. The mouthfeel is fresh, agile and saline and has an excellent persistence.
Penisola Sorrentina Gragnano Ottouve Rosso Frizzante 2018 Salvatore Martusciello
92/100 - € 10,00
Made of Piedirosso, Aglianico, Sicscinoso and other local grapes. Purple red with violet hues. Lively and delicate foam. Aromas of violets, strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate. Fresh taste, dynamic and pleasant drinkability. Agile and typical bitter/sweet aftertaste.
Sannio Aglianico 2018 Elena Catalano
89/100 - € 8,00
Made in stainless steel from Aglianico grapes. A luminous ruby color and clear aromas of cherry, strawberry and violet. The mouthfeel is full and agile with tannins that are just noticeable, pleasing and excellently drinkable.
Ravello Costa D’Amalfi Rosato Selva delle Monache 2018 Ettore Sammarco
91/100 - € 12,00
A blend of 60% Piedirosso and 40% Aglianico fermented off the skins in stainless steel. A bright, cherry-red color with scents of rose, cherry and tangerine peel. The mouthfeel has freshness, body and balance with a brackish finish.
Campania Aglianico 2017 Villa Raiano
89/100 - € 9,00
Made from Aglianico grapes and matured in French-oak barriques. A ruby-red color and an aroma of red fruit with nuances of spice and mint. The fresh and soft mouthfeel has balanced tannins and a nice consistency between the aromas and flavors.
Benevento Sciascinoso Civico 1 2018 Tenuta Fontana
90/100 - € 14,00
Sciascinoso grapes and matured for 12 months in French-oak barrels. A luminous red color and broad aromas of violet, blueberry, currant and black pepper. The mouthfeel has structure, balance and a deep and fresh finish.
