Lacryma Christi Bianco 'Cratere Bianco' Cantine Astroni 2023

Cantine Astroni's Lacryma Christi Bianco 'Cratere Bianco' is a wine from Campania that originates on the outer slopes of the Astroni crater, between Naples and Pozzuoli. The Varchetta family has been involved in the sector for more than a century. Initially born as a production activity for personal consumption, it soon turned into a flourishing business. First Vincenzo, then his son Giovanni set themselves the goals of enhancing the territory and the raw material, so that the final product would present rare qualities. Today, the business is run by the fourth generation, which has taken up the teachings of the previous generations and focused on modern cultivation and wine-making techniques.

The Caprettone and Falanghina grapes of Cantine Astroni's Lacryma Christi Bianco 'Cratere Bianco' grow in the Agro Vesuviano area, where the soils are of volcanic origin and are home to a wide biodiversity: there are 612 different species of plants that contribute to a varied and flourishing ecosystem. The climate here is typically Mediterranean with mild, often rainy winters and hot summers with sea breezes. The grapes are harvested manually in the first ten days of October; a brief cryomaceration takes place in the cellar, followed by alcoholic fermentation in steel for 2 weeks. It matures for a few months on the lees and in the bottle.

To the eye, Cantine Astroni's Lacryma Christi Bianco "Cratere Bianco" has a deep yellow colour with greenish reflections. The nose has hints of apricot, wild field grasses and mineral notes; in the mouth it is enveloping, structured and of character with a good final persistence that recalls cup after cup. In pairing it is recommended with steamed fish dishes, shellfish and molluscs; also interesting with risottos and fresh cow's milk cheeses. Perfect for barbecues by the sea with lifelong friends or for Christmas Eve dinners with a lean-to, to enjoy all the authenticity of the Campania region.