Lacryma Christi (or Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, or Vesuvius) is one of the Campania wines produced on the slopes of Vesuvius, whose origin, as happens with the best Italian wines, is lost between history and legend. According to the specifications, Lacryma Christi can be white, red or rosé.
The name Lacryma Christi in fact derives from a legend which tells that Lucifer, the angel chased out of Paradise for his atrocities, spitefully stole a piece of Paradise and as soon as the theft was completed, he sank into the bowels of Hell leaving behind a chasm from which Vesuvius arose. It is said that Jesus, recognizing the stolen Paradise in the Gulf of Naples, cried copious tears and from his tears the vineyards of this wine were born.
Historically, viticulture was practiced in these areas near Torre del Greco since the 5th century BC, thanks to the Greek population of Thessalians. One thing is certain: today, like yesterday, the volcano's eruptions give extraordinary fertility to the land and a unique taste to Lacryma Christi.
But how to recognize a good Lacryma Christi? White Lacryma Christi is one of the most famous white wines from Campania with a controlled designation of origin. It comes from the native Falanghina ungrafted vines and at least 12% of Coda di Volpe, locally called Caprettone. It has a beautiful light straw yellow color and is distinguished by a particular minerality. It is a fresh and fruity white wine, perfect with appetizers, seafood dishes and white meat main courses.
The red Lacryma Christi, on the other hand, has a beautiful ruby red color and a strong and round character, given by the union of Piedirosso (known as Per e' Palummo) and Aglianico (the same grapes used for the rosé Lacryma Christi), and is perfect with ragù and meat stews.
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