Villa Dora Caprettone Vesuvio DOC (2020) – Campania

THE GRAPE 
Caprettone 


THE WINE
Villa Dora’s Caprettone is a prime example of volcanic elegance. The grape is rarely vinified in purity, instead often being used as a blending grape in Lacryma Christi. This decision is more than welcome as the Caprettone of Villa Dora is a rare example of an ungrafted wine as the volcanic soil of Vesuvius provided resistance to Phylloxera. 

Drawing attention to the characteristics of this indigenous grape led to a simple vinification approach: one hour of maceration is followed by fermentation in steel tank with ageing on fine lees for 6 months. Distinctively flinty, a freshness pervades. Straw yellow in colour, it is the sort of wine that begs to be drunk over a long languid summer lunch. Green apple on the nose with a touch of honeysuckle. There is a balanced acidity in the mouth with tropical fruits and a slightly smoky finish.  


But for the Curious ...
Caprettone is indigenous to Campania and grows predominately around Mount Vesuvius. Formerly thought to be related to Coda di Volpe it has now been shown to be another variety entirely. The traditional area for planting Caprettone is on the south side of Vesuvius, exactly where Villa Dora’s vineyards are located.