Cantine Olivella Piedirosso Vesuvio Rosso ‘Vipt’ 2023

The smoldering power of an ancient yet active volcano, the native roots of
rare and unique grapes, and the passion of local talent eager to breathe
new life into one of Campania’s most historic wine regions: Dionysus, god
of the vine, would be most proud of the team at Cantine Olivella. Here
on the slopes of Monte Summa, the oldest part of Vesuvio—the volcano
that destroyed Pompeii and continues to rumble, shaking the nerves of
the Napolitani—grape growing is an ancient art, the lava-rich, sandy
slopes of the volcano providing perfect terroir for native grapes such as
Catalanesca and Piedirosso.

‘Vipt’ is a word play; in Neapolitan dialect, the verb “vippere” means not just to drink, but to drink well and with pleasure. This certainly describes the joy one gets while sipping this pure Piedirosso, full of spice and ruby fruit and so much soul. Delicately aromatic, with hints of smoke as a nod to its volcanic soils; intensely flavorful blue and red fruit amaze, given how light bodied and fresh this wine is. A perfect, balanced red with tons of character.

WINERY: Cantine Olivella
WINEMAKER: Andrea Cozzolino
ESTABLISHED: 2004
REGION: ITALY • Campania • Sant’Anastasia (Naples)
APPELLATION: Vesuvio DOC
BLEND: 100% Piedirosso
VINEYARDS: Low-yielding, older-vine plots facing northwest and located
in two of Vesuvius’ oldest viticultural areas (Sant’Anastasia and Somma
Vesuviana) between 900 and 1,800 feet in altitude. Soils are volcanic sand.
AGE OF VINES: 25 to 35 years
WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Destemmed; fermented in tank on
indigenous yeasts. Aged for 10 months in tank, then three months in bottle.
TASTING IMPRESSIONS: Aromas of wild red berries, red plums, light smoke,
some pepper. Medium-bodied, fresh but with depth; ripe tannins
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Pasta with tomato sauce; risotto with mushrooms;
salami with fennel or black truffles
NOTES: ‘Vipt’ is a word play; it references the past participle (in Neapolitan
dialect) of the verb “to drink,” which (in dialect) also assumes drinking well
and with pleasure.