wine tasting at the base of Mt. Vesuvio
Wine in Italy may seem common enough, but embarking on a wine tasting journey to Campania, Italy can take you to the base of the circle of life itself.
Arriving in Campania, Italy is a treat for any traveler, especially with the impressive Mt. Vesuvio welcoming you to the region. I ended a lovely trip to the Amalfi Coast with a taste of the region, with a visit to the Cantina del Vesuvio winery. Situated at the base of the famous volcano is a reminder of the fruits which come from one which is associated with the destruction of Pompei. But in this volcanic soil, you see bright fresh fruit fit for some delicious and less-well-known wine from Italy.
bright grapes in volcanic soil
Sitting down to taste wine in Italy is more than the usual trip to a tasting bar. Instead, we were ushered to a seat when prompt appetizers (fresh bruschetta and cheese grown on the farm) welcomed us, and we started the journey with our first taste of the white table wine.
delicious and fresh bruschetta
vino bianco
Tasting with food is the best way to understand the softer flavors, and lower fermentation times of table wines. The food opens up the wine with a great softness, tasting at it should, at the table.
Next some lovely spaghetti with marinara welcomed us, along with a rose wine to taste. It was as fresh and beautiful as the previous dish, and the slight garlic flavor added wonderfully to the sweet, light wine.
fresh pasta alla marinara
a lovely table rose
We continued the meal with a Rosso (red) wine to taste as well, as we lingered over our spaghetti. Then moved onto dessert (a lovely apple tart) and the local favorite, Grappa. Grappa is an alcohol derived from wine grapes, and has a very spicy palate, sharp with the residual alcohol. It is typically an after dinner digestive drink in Italy.
grappa with apple tart pairing
We ended the filling meal with a stroll through the vineyard, and a trip to the gift shop for some wine, then to the nearby olive trees (which also grow well in this region). This experience was a splendid way to relish wine tasting, slowly with food, as it should be. All at the most lovely setting!
olive branches
Wishing your haute and happy travels, wine and food wherever you may venture this 2015! Cheers!
le haute eye 