Lacryma Christi Rosso 'Gelsonero' Villa Dora 2018

Villa Dora Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso 'Gelsonero' is a distinctive Campanian expression that reflects the volcanic character of its terroir. The Villa Dora estate was founded in 1997 by Vincenzo Ambrosio, who was strongly determined to enhance the Vesuvius wine-growing area with its ancient winemaking tradition. To do this, he decided to focus on organic farming and on the indigenous grape varieties Piedirosso and Aglianico among the black grapes, Caprettone, Falanghina and Coda di Volpe among the white grapes.

Villa Dora's Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso 'Gelsonero' originates from a blend of Piedirosso (80 percent) and Aglianico (20 percent), varieties raised under a certified organic system. The vines are about 35 years old and are rooted on volcanic soils rich in mineral elements. Once ripe, the grapes are hand-picked, carefully selected and mellowed in stainless steel tanks, where temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation takes place in contact with the skins. Once the fermentation process is complete, the wine is transferred to second- and third-passage French oak barrels for aging for 14-16 months prior to bottling and further aging for a few months in the bottle before final release.

To the eye, Villa Dora winery's Rosso 'Gelsonero' Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio expresses a bright ruby red hue. The nose offers captivating fruity scents of blueberry, raspberry, blood orange and cherries in alcohol that meet peculiar sensations of ash, notes of Mediterranean field herbs and pleasant spicy nuances. In the mouth it is intense and enveloping, with firm savory timbre, ripe tannins and a long fruity finish.