Italy’s Volcanic Diversity: Cantine Olivella

A great writeup for a new producer! Our latest find in Campania, Cantine Olivella, was profiled in last week’s newsletter from Wine & Spirits Magazine, in a feature “Italy’s Volcanic Diversity.”

One could say that “volcanic wines” are having a moment — more and more sommeliers and wine experts are highlighting the particular characteristics of wines grown in volcanic regions, such as Etna in Sicily or Vesuvius in Campania, as two main examples.

“Salty” whites (think Carricante or Cattaratto) or “savory” reds (think Piedirosso or Nerello Mascalese) — there is indeed something special when lava takes its turn as world-class terroir.

Which is why our new wines from Cantine Olivella are so exciting – this estate’s vineyards are located within the Vesuvio National Park, on prime volcanic, sandy soils (which is also why most of their vines are ungrafted; the sand helps protect vines from phylloxera).

Piedirosso is a gorgeous, medium-bodied red very much in the spirit of Sicily’s Nerello Mascalese, with a little more depth and plummier fruit – fresh, airy and undeniably thirst-quenching. A serious discovery in Campania!

Cantine Olivella 2021 Vesuvio Piedirosso ‘Vipt’
Medium bodied and buoyant, with good tension and pure flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange, this wine’s scents of violet, rose petal and smoke add to its appeal.