When you think of Mount Vesuvius, it is probably images of the destruction of the ancient city of Pompeii or of legions of tourists going to observe the famous volcano for themselves. You are less likely to immediately picture wine and, yet, that is one of the things you are very likely to encounter as, at the base of the volcano, there are famous vineyards, that stretch part-way up the slopes and produce wines that have been consumed since the fifth century BC. So, if you’re interested in wine, the history of wine, and unique wines, in particular, then you need to make sure you experience this rather special variety when you plan your vacation in Campania.
Lacryma Christi, also known as Lachryma Christi of Vesuvius, is the name of this celebrated Neapolitan type of wine made on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Literally meaning, "tears of Christ," the wine type dates back to even before the time of Jesus, to the fifth century BC, when Greek settlers first came to the area and planted Italy’s very first vineyards, as noted by Aristotle who recorded that the ancient people of Thessaly in Magna Grecia planted the first vineyards on Mount Vesuvius' slopes. After the Greeks came the Romans, who named the area, “Campania Felix,” (or “fertile countryside,” from which the region’s modern-day name of Campania derives) and spread the legend that Bacchus wept tears of joy upon seeing such a beautiful land, which caused vines to flourish in the landscape. Roman poet Martial wrote, "Bacchus loved these hills more than his native hills of Nisa". As is often the case, this story was later Christianised and medieval wine-making monks swapped out Bacchus for Christ and motivated his fertile tears with a tale of the sorrow the Son of God felt over Lucifer's fall from heaven. Lucifer was also said to have taken a little piece of heaven with him when he fell, further imbuing magic and blessings into the soils of the area.
Lacryma Christi, also known as Lachryma Christi of Vesuvius, is the name of this celebrated Neapolitan type of wine made on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Literally meaning, "tears of Christ," the wine type dates back to even before the time of Jesus, to the fifth century BC, when Greek settlers first came to the area and planted Italy’s very first vineyards, as noted by Aristotle who recorded that the ancient people of Thessaly in Magna Grecia planted the first vineyards on Mount Vesuvius' slopes. After the Greeks came the Romans, who named the area, “Campania Felix,” (or “fertile countryside,” from which the region’s modern-day name of Campania derives) and spread the legend that Bacchus wept tears of joy upon seeing such a beautiful land, which caused vines to flourish in the landscape. Roman poet Martial wrote, "Bacchus loved these hills more than his native hills of Nisa". As is often the case, this story was later Christianised and medieval wine-making monks swapped out Bacchus for Christ and motivated his fertile tears with a tale of the sorrow the Son of God felt over Lucifer's fall from heaven. Lucifer was also said to have taken a little piece of heaven with him when he fell, further imbuing magic and blessings into the soils of the area.
In reality, it was not the tears of any mythological or historical figure that made the lands of Mount Vesuvius so fertile but, rather, the mineral-rich volcanic soil and the mild, breezy Mediterranean climate. While the sides of Mount Vesuvius are deeply scarred from past lava flows, the lower slopes are extremely fertile and are home to villages and lots of vineyards. As a result, there are lots of different wineries in this DOC area that produce red, white, rosé, fortified, and sparkling versions of Lacryma Christi. White Lacryma Christi is made mainly from Verdeca and Coda di Volpe grapes, with smaller proportions of Falanghina, Caprettone, and Greco di Tufo varieties and has a golden colour and citrus and spice notes. The Red Lacryma Christi, meanwhile, is made from Piedirosso and Sciascinoso grapes and has a deep ruby colour and a full-bodied and earthy flavour with notes of wild berries and minerals. Best of all, Lacryma Christi is both delicious and relatively inexpensive so, if you’re in the area, be sure to sample some varieties and, maybe, stock up and bring some home with you, while you’re at it!
As Lacryma Christi is such an old wine, references to it are dotted throughout western literature. Among particularly famous examples are mentions in Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”, in W. J. Turner's poem “Talking with Soldiers”, and in “Candide," by Voltaire, amongst other examples. However, one of the most interesting things about this fascinating wine has to be that archaeologists have actually discovered that drinking Lacryma Christi is the closest thing that we can experience to drinking the wine that the Ancient Romans of the nearby Pompeii would have consumed, thanks to an analysis of the microscopic residue left on the taps of the casks at that famous archaeological site.
As Lacryma Christi is such an old wine, references to it are dotted throughout western literature. Among particularly famous examples are mentions in Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”, in W. J. Turner's poem “Talking with Soldiers”, and in “Candide," by Voltaire, amongst other examples. However, one of the most interesting things about this fascinating wine has to be that archaeologists have actually discovered that drinking Lacryma Christi is the closest thing that we can experience to drinking the wine that the Ancient Romans of the nearby Pompeii would have consumed, thanks to an analysis of the microscopic residue left on the taps of the casks at that famous archaeological site.
Famous as it is, Lacryma Christi can be sourced readily online and in plenty of wine stores around the globe. However, if you have had the opportunity to find a vacation rental in Campania and are holidaying in the area, then we highly recommend going to visit a winery for tastings and tours and to learn more about wine production and the production of Lacryma Christi, in particular. Wine always tastes the sweetest when enjoyed in good company and on holidays, especially if one also happens to be vacationing in the place in which said wine is produced.
Luckily, and as we mentioned before, there are a lot of different wineries in the area to choose from – or you could avoid choosing at all and go on a bit of a tour! – so you’ll have plenty of options. Some of the most highly regarded and praised among the local wineries include Villa Carafa, Mastroberardino, and Terredora di Paolo and one of the best set-up wineries for tours and tastings is Cantina del Vesuvio. There are different packages that involve walks through the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, taking in the views overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, and the Island of Capri, touring the winery, sitting down for a wine tasting paired with samples of local specialties, and more specialised add-ons like lunch on Vesuvius, trying out grape-stomping yourself and much more besides. Worth noting is that they will accommodate menus for celiacs, vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary needs and that they offer a free shuttle to and from the Circumvesuviana Torre Annunziata Oplonti station, near the Villa of Poppea, if you are exploring the area via public transport.
So, what are you waiting for? Find a holiday rental in Campania and come try this incredible wine for yourself in the most majestic of settings in Italy, Mount Vesuvius.
Luckily, and as we mentioned before, there are a lot of different wineries in the area to choose from – or you could avoid choosing at all and go on a bit of a tour! – so you’ll have plenty of options. Some of the most highly regarded and praised among the local wineries include Villa Carafa, Mastroberardino, and Terredora di Paolo and one of the best set-up wineries for tours and tastings is Cantina del Vesuvio. There are different packages that involve walks through the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, taking in the views overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, and the Island of Capri, touring the winery, sitting down for a wine tasting paired with samples of local specialties, and more specialised add-ons like lunch on Vesuvius, trying out grape-stomping yourself and much more besides. Worth noting is that they will accommodate menus for celiacs, vegetarians, vegans, and those with special dietary needs and that they offer a free shuttle to and from the Circumvesuviana Torre Annunziata Oplonti station, near the Villa of Poppea, if you are exploring the area via public transport.
So, what are you waiting for? Find a holiday rental in Campania and come try this incredible wine for yourself in the most majestic of settings in Italy, Mount Vesuvius.