On May 18th 2022, I discussed Caprettone, a white grape found in Lacryma Christi Bianco. This week, we are taking a look at the Rosso variation. Lacryma Christi is a DOC located in Campania, around Mount Vesuvius in southwestern Italy. Red wines from this region are predominantly blends with a majority of the blend consisting of Piedirosso or they can be varietal wines made with Piedirosso. It is commonly blended with Aglianico, the most widely planted red grape in the region. Blends can also contain Olivella (Sciascinoso), a minor red grape cultivated all over the Campania region. Aglianico wines are tannic with significant acidity and notes of chocolate and dark fruits. They are known for their potential to age for prolonged periods. Piedirosso is more fruit forward, featuring red fruit notes. Olivella is also a lighter bodied wine used to make youthful wines intended for early consumption. Olivella is a name given to olive shaped grapes grown around Campania. Through DNA analysis, it was determined that there are at least 3 distinct varieties that share the Olivella name but Olivella Nero was confirmed to be identical to Sciascinoso.
This week I drank a 2021 Cantine Olivella Lacrimanero from Vesuvio Lacryma Christi DOC. It was a blend that was 50% Piedirosso, 30% Olivella, and 20% Aglianico. It was a beautiful medium ruby color. Aromas of red plums, red cherries, red and black currants, dried thyme and wet stone erupted from my glass. This dry, medium bodied wine had moderate level of alcohol. The silky tannins from the Aglianico provided texture. Bright red fruit notes were balanced with a racy acidity. There was also an earthy minerality due to the volcanic soil where these grapes are grown. The red plum on the front palate gave way to black plum on the extended finish. This lighter red wine could withstand some heavier cuts of light meats, like herbed pork sausage and pork chops, or robust red sauces. This wine would also be a great addition to a summer bbq with beef kabobs.
-TheLooseTannin
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 