Villa Dora
Villa Dora, Gelsorosa, Campagnia, Italy, Piedirosso, 2023
Anytime there is an active volcano nearby vines it always makes for an interesting wine. The soil and terroir are so directly influenced by it that it's not only visually apparent but the wine’s flavor is also laced with those nuances. In the region of Campagnia the wines are graced with the influence of Mt Vesuvius. Villa Dora is on the lower southern slopes of Vesuvius which is an active volcano and is surrounded by a national park. The soil looks like ground up grey grape nuts or decomposed granite, grey in color, ready to dryscape your front yard. When you see such distinct terroir it's hard to deny that there is no interplay between the volcano and the vine. This rose is so pretty, pale, almondy and full of energetic vibes. I love that it's made from Piedirosso which is a grape specific to the region of Campania, it doesn’t really grow anywhere else in the world. It's lean, clean, slight marzipan energy with a saline kiss.
Pairing: A wedge salad; cheesy corn on the cob