Bosco De Medici

Bosco de Medici

At 1281 metres, Mount Vesuvius dominates the Bay of Naples. It is the only active volcano in mainland Europe, dormant since 1944, and is famous for its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that buried the Roman cities of Pompei and Herculaneum. The furtile volcanic soil and moderate climate have made Vesuvius home to a rich history of viticulture.

Bosco de Medici takes its name from the Florentine Medici's, after a branch of the family moved to Pompei in 1567 and became instrumental in improving the regions viticulture. After selling their grapes for two decades, the Palomba and Monaco families launched their own wines in 2014. The vineyards, many of them planted with ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines, are divided into various plots, located in the municipalities of Terzigno, Boscoreale and Pompei. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and the vineyards are planted exclusively with local grape varieties of Capprettone, Falanghina, Piedirosso and Aglianico.

The local grapes
Caprettone was, until very recently, often used as a synonym for Coda di Volpe however DNA analysis has shown it to be a distinct variety. Piedirosso, also called Per 'e Palummo, is grown widely throughout Campania and often partners the more robust Aglianico, lending acidity and bright red fruits. There is a close genetic relationship between Caprettone and Piedirosso and both grapes feature in the local wines, the beautifully named Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio - literally the tears of Christ.