Posted on: Walter Speller group wall
A FORGOTTEN WINE
LACRYMA CHRISTI - CANTINA ASTRONI
Lacryma Christi, meaning "God's tears", is an ancient wine from the region from Naples. Although it has been produced on the slopes of the Vesuvius for many centuries, it is not known exactly what grape varieties were used to produce this wine.
Lacryma Christi can come in many different guises: as a white whine, a red, a sweet wine, and even sparkling versions exist. The name of Lacryma Christi is always followed on the label by "del Vesuvio" - from Vesuvius, where on its poor, sandy slopes the best grapes are harvested. Its name stems from a myth in which it is said that God one day recognized in the gulf of Naples an edge of sky removed by Lucifer. He cried and where the divine tears fell so rose the vines of the Lacryma Christi.
Such was its fame in the recent past that Lacryma Christi seemed to promise an easy return and hence its name attracted many producers more interested in capitalising on its reputation instead of producing good quality wines. An enormous production of rather modest wines, with little character and even less taste was the result of this, compromising its reputation. Many mediocre versions since then have flooded the market, but producers like Gerardo Vernazzaro, who believe in the ancient style, try to create a "true" version of the wine and restore it to its former glory.
This particular wine wine is a blend of Falanghina (there it is again!) and Coda di Volpe, or "fox's tail", an ancient variety and apparently the same as the "Alopecis" as described by Pliny the elder. It's name comes from the shape of the bunch resembling a fox's tail. It adds a ripe,white fruit perfume aroma to the freshess and structure of Falanghina. Drink it on its own, or serve it alongside minestrone or any vegetable based soup, pasta with beans, and white meats like chicken and veal. Or try it with fresh cheeses, like ricotta with a drizzle of acacia honey.
by Walter 08/02/2010 23:47
Reply
Posted on: Walter Speller's wall
A FORGOTTEN WINE
LACRYMA CHRISTI - CANTINA ASTRONI
Lacryma Christi, meaning "God's tears", is an ancient wine from the region from Naples. Although it has been produced on the slopes of the Vesuvius for many centuries, it is not known exactly what grape varieties were used to produce this wine.
Lacryma Christi can come in many different guises: as a white whine, a red, a sweet wine, and even sparkling versions exist. The name of Lacryma Christi is always followed on the label by "del Vesuvio" - from Vesuvius, where on its poor, sandy slopes the best grapes are harvested. Its name stems from a myth in which it is said that God one day recognized in the gulf of Naples an edge of sky removed by Lucifer. He cried and where the divine tears fell so rose the vines of the Lacryma Christi.
Such was its fame in the recent past that Lacryma Christi seemed to promise an easy return and hence its name attracted many producers more interested in capitalising on its reputation instead of producing good quality wines. An enormous production of rather modest wines, with little character and even less taste was the result of this, compromising its reputation. Many mediocre versions since then have flooded the market, but producers like Gerardo Vernazzaro, who believe in the ancient style, try to create a "true" version of the wine and restore it to its former glory.
This particular wine wine is a blend of Falanghina (there it is again!) and Coda di Volpe, or "fox's tail", an ancient variety and apparently the same as the "Alopecis" as described by Pliny the elder. It's name comes from the shape of the bunch resembling a fox's tail. It adds a ripe,white fruit perfume aroma to the freshess and structure of Falanghina. Drink it on its own, or serve it alongside minestrone or any vegetable based soup, pasta with beans, and white meats like chicken and veal. Or try it with fresh cheeses, like ricotta with a drizzle of acacia honey.
by Walter 08/02/2010 23:46
Reply