Campania

DOC for red, rosé and white wines in the wine-growing region of Campania in Italy. This is a large area on the lower slopes of Mount Vesuvius high above the Gulf of Naples in the province of Napoli. The zone includes the entire communes of Boscotrecase, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio and Trecase, as well as parts of the communes of Boscoreale, Cercola, Ercolano, Ottaviano, Pollena Trocchia, Portici, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Sant´Anastasia, Somma Vesuviana, Terzigno, Torre Annunziata and Torre del Greco. Wine has been grown here since ancient times, long before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC that destroyed the city of Pompey. The wine had a reputation of moderate quality until it was classified as DOC in 1983, and the variant known as Lacryma Christi (tears of Christ) was frequently imitated. The Mastroberardino wine estate, in particular, helped the wine achieve greater recognition. The Bianco is a blend made from Coda di Volpe (minimum of 35%) and Verdeca (together 80-100%), as well as from Greco and/or Falanghina (up to 20%). Rosso and Rosato are made from Piedirosso (minimum of 50%) and Sciascinoso (together 80-100%), as well as optionally from Aglianico (up to 20%). If they have a minimum alcohol content of 12% vol, all three wines may bear the additional designation Lacryma Christi. The description is derived from the legend that God shed a tear at the meanness of the people living there. The Lacryma Christi version of the Bianco is also available as a Liquoroso and as a Spumante.