A Volcanic Red: Trocla lacryma Christi

Il vino fonte di passione e fascino, attira continuamente l'interesse di molti appassionati che lo identificano come l'elemento principe della cultura enogastronomica Italiana. I colori, i sentori e i sapori che il vigneto Italiano generosamente ci regala sono molteplici. Numerose anche le tipologie tra cui scegliere, ma quando si vuole celebrare un importante avvenimento o quando si vuole semplicemente fare "bella figura", i vini rossi di prestigio la fanno da padrone. Struttura e corpo costituiscono il perno del vino ma è nell'invecchiamento che si racchiude la poesia. La capacità di evolvere di questi grandi vini grazie anche ad una buona spalla acida, è sorprendente e berli lo è ancora di più. L'affinamento permette a tutte le componenti del vino di collaborare insieme per raggiungere un armonico equilibrio. Non dimentichiamoci che sono stati proprio i grandi vini rossi ad aprire la strada alla fama mondiale del vino Italiano.

Wine, a source of passion and fascination, continuously attracts the interest of many enthusiasts who identify it as the cornerstone of Italian food and wine culture. There are many colors, aromas, and flavors that the Italian vineyard generously bestows upon us. Equally numerous are the types to choose from, but when celebrating an important occasion – or simply wanting to make a good impression – prestigious red wines reign supreme. Structure and body form the backbone of wine, but it is in aging that its poetry resides. The capacity of these great wines to evolve, aided by a good backbone of acidity, is remarkable – and drinking them is even more so. The aging process allows all the components of the wine to work together toward a harmonious balance. Let us not forget that it was precisely the great red wines that paved the way for the worldwide fame of Italian wine.

When it comes to great red wines, the region of Campania knows its stuff, and it was undoubtedly one of the most important regions for the establishment and spread of wine even in ancient times. Among the most beloved is Lacryma Christi, a wine steeped in legend – both for the heavenly land to which its vines have so fittingly adapted, and for the fascinating nectar that strikes the taster sip after sip.

The myth, winding between the sacred and the profane, is tied to the episode in which Lucifer, upon being cast out of paradise, steals a corner of it – the most beautiful – and carries it with him to Earth. Thus the Gulf of Naples is born, and Jesus Christ, grieved by the theft, bursts into desperate weeping that washes over the Vesuvian area, giving rise to the native grape varieties that contribute to the making of the wine. A powerful tale that would justify the beauty of the place, yet it is paired with another belief. Once again Jesus Christ is the protagonist, but without revealing his identity, he visits a hermit who offers him water to ease the weariness of his journey. To reward the man's generosity, Jesus Christ then transforms the available water into precious wine.

Legends have always been attributed to wine, which carries within itself qualities that are almost otherworldly. Legends and myths aside, what is certain is the quality that the dusty soils on the volcanic slopes impart to the wine. Easy to work and rich in minerals, Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Sciascinoso sink their roots into this land, synonymous with exceptional wines. First among them is Aglianico, the most important grape of the Italian southern slopes – ripening late, it could not grow in the north. The Greeks had already understood this, planting it and calling it "ellenico." If one wishes to produce red wines of great personality, it cannot be overlooked. Typical of this variety are the intense aromas of jam, which with aging shift toward spicy and hematic notes. Piedirosso – its name derived from the distinctive coloring of the rachis, reminiscent of a pigeon's foot – is the second most widely planted variety in the region. It lends the wine pronounced floral aromas that, with aging, shift toward animal and spiced notes. Its tannic component is solid. Last but by no means least in quality is Sciascinoso, also known as Olivella, so called for the elongated shape of its berry.

Monte Somma Vesuvio, a winery that has already distinguished itself for its sublime whites from Catalanesca grapes, continues production with austere and pleasurable red wines. Established at the foot of the Volcano, Monte Somma Vesuvio produces unique wines with the goal of showcasing its native varieties while honoring the terroir.

Trocla lacryma Christi DOC del Vesuvio 2012

Piedirosso 80% Aglianico 10% Sciascinoso 10%
Three months in steel and two months of bottle aging.
Visual examination: Ruby color
Olfactory examination: The nose gets lost among fragrant aromas of wild berries and red fruits, which frame that mineral note so typical of Vesuvian wines.
Taste examination: On the palate, the soft and firm components are well balanced; the well-integrated tannin paves the way for a long finish.
With aging, this wine will only improve further.

Trocla lacryma Christi DOC del Vesuvio 2012 Linea Silver

Piedirosso 80% Aglianico 10% Sciascinoso 10%
Rested twelve months in barrique and aged two months in bottle.
Visual examination: Ruby color
Olfactory examination: On the nose, complex and ethereal toasted aromas emerge, such as tobacco and leather. Spiced notes reminiscent of a liquorice stick are also present.
Taste examination: The palate is enveloped by the tannin and by the olfactory sensations that return through to the finish.

For a proper pairing, the body of the wine must not overpower the structure of the dish. Beyond the classic charcuterie and aged cheese boards, well-seasoned and flavorful first courses make a delicious match for Trocla. Red meats and roasts pair with the barrique-aged version. Both wines pair perfectly with traditional Campanian dishes.
When appreciating these two wines, one discovers two pleasurable and interesting reds of volcanic character that emit different sensations every time the nose returns to the glass. A true immersion in aromas and flavors that blend together, giving rise to a finish that pleasantly cradles the palate. It is difficult for any taster not to be captivated.