2022 Cantine Olivella, Piedrosso Vesuvio Rosso "Vipt"

Despite their connection to a famous historic disaster, the slopes of Mount Vesuvius are home to some of Italy’s most distinct, and ancient vines. The local red grape, Piedirosso (“red feet”) was named by none other than Roman writer Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia, referring to the red stalks of the variety’s grape bunches. Although there’s no known genetic connection, Piedirosso often feels like a less-intense version of Aglianico: there’s fresh wildberry fruit, spice, and a hint of smoke, all of which you’ll find in Cantine Olivella’s “Vipt.” Typically blended with said Aglianico in the red version of Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, this is a relatively rare “varietal” version from an assortment of high-elevation vineyards within the Vesuvio National Park. Elegant and effortless right out of the gate, it’s a deliciously drinkable window into Campania’s past, present, and future! Andrea Cozzolino tapped into historic family vineyard holdings in the Vesuvio National Park to lau