Villa Dora Vesuvio Piedirosso 2021

Villa Dora Winery is located on the southern slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the heart of the Vesuvius National Park, Campania, Italy. Founded in 1997 by Vincenzo Ambrosio, the winery focuses on rejuvenating volcanic vineyards with minimal intervention and commitment to organic farming. Villa Dora specializes in producing wines from indigenous Campanian varietals, including Piedirosso, Falanghina, Aglianico, and Caprettone, which thrive in the region's volcanic soils. This unique terroir, rich in minerals due to volcanic activity, imparts distinct flavors to the wines, offering earthy and smoky characteristics​.

The winery is particularly notable for its Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio DOC wines, produced from ungrafted vines, benefiting from volcanic soil that protects them from Phylloxera. Villa Dora's wines are often characterized by vibrant minerality, structured acidity, and expressive fruit​. Today, Vincenzo's nephew, Vincenzo Orabona, helps continue the family tradition of crafting natural, terroir-driven wines​. Villa Dora's reputation stems from its ability to harness the energy of Mount Vesuvius, creating wines that truly reflect the volcanic landscape. Piedirosso is one of their standout varietals​.

Campania, located in southern Italy, has a rich vinicultural history rooted in ancient civilizations. The region's association with viticulture can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who introduced the practice to the area. Their impact is evident in the nomenclature of some contemporary wines and grape varieties. Subsequent Roman periods not only upheld these viniculture traditions but enhanced them, with Campania's Falernian wine gaining particular renown in the ancient world.

The terroir of Campania provides both opportunities and challenges for viticulturists. The region's volcanic soils, especially those proximate to Vesuvius, are mineral-rich, contributing distinctive qualities to the wines. While the Mediterranean climate ensures grape ripening and maintains necessary acidity, the rugged terrain often necessitates vineyards to be situated on steep inclines, limiting mechanization. Consequently, Campania's winemaking has maintained an organic and natural wine-making approach, preserving its artisanal character.

Campania boasts a range of signature varietals.

Aglianico: Predominantly expressed in the Taurasi DOCG, this red grape is celebrated for its tannic structure and notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice.

Fiano: This white grape, which flourishes in Campania's volcanic terrains, is renowned in its Fiano di Avellino DOCG variant. Its profile includes hazelnut, spice, and pear aromas.

Greco: Mainly identified in the Greco di Tufo DOCG, this white grape has a pronounced mineral profile with hints of peaches and almonds, often accompanied by a zesty finish.

Falanghina: An age-old grape with contemporary relevance, Falanghina wines are fragrant, with dominant citrus and floral notes. They pair well with Campania's seafood offerings.

Following World War II, Campania experienced a decline in wine production. However, the late 20th century marked a renaissance, propelled by innovative winemakers tapping into the potential of indigenous grapes. This resurgence has facilitated Campania's wines in garnering international recognition, appealing to both experts and beginners. The future remains promising for Campania, with a new era of winemakers merging modern techniques with time-honored practices, ensuring the wines reflect both tradition and progression.