Tenuta Matilde Zasso, Pozzuoli, Campania

Based in an area known as Campi Flegrei (The Phlegraen Fields, from the Greek word for “burning”) which, because they are subject to seismic and even volcanic activity to this very day, are incredibly rich in ash and mineral deposits and lend a distinctive taste and perfume to the wines, this cantina is a real family affair: In the late NINTH Century Michele Vicidomini, inspired by the beauty and savage feel of the land and the reputation of the wines of this zona, started vineyards at Monte di Procida, making wine for the family and selling the surplus in bulk containers known as quartaruli. Cut to 1958 when the current proprietario, Salvatore Vicidomini, and his bride, Matilde, founded a new cantina at Pozzuoli and began estate bottling the fruits of their labor. Today Salvatore and sons Francesco, Luca, Marco, Michele and Assunta take care of everything from viticulture to cellarwork to management and marketing.

Matilde Zasso Amphora Bianco 2008, Campania  $11.99

This is a delicious multivarietal blend that could well be your new house white...

Matilde Zasso Falanghina Caravaggio 2008, Campania  $13.99

A lighter, crisper, easier to pound version of this classic Napolitano variety and priced to move...what are you waiting for!

Azienda Agricola Fratelli Urciuolo, Forino, Campania

Antonello and Cirò Urciuolo (in cahoots with consultant enologists Carmine Valentino) are on a steep upward path of both quality and fame. Remember you saw them here first!

Urciuolo Greco di Tufo 2008, Campania  $26.99

No malolactic fermentation here so it is very zingy and fresh with a big minerally finish...outstanding!

Urciuolo Fiano di Avellino 2008, Campania  $26.99

Urciuolo Fiano di Avellino Faliesi 2008, Campania  $35.99

These are wildly aromatic with intense floral and citrus elements and the Faliesi seems to be made from the local volcanic rocks, not grapes....pure minerallity on the palate, huge dry finish. We LOVE these and so will you...

Azienda Agricola Mustilli, Sant’Agata dei Goti, Campania

Ana Chiara Mustilli is one of the huge crop of young, enthusiastic women at the helm of hundreds of Italian cantine. Her family have been intimately connected with the history of the zona since the 1500’s and estate bottling branded wines since 1960. The wines are packed with the full on flavors of the zona which has been famous among wine lovers since Roman times. They are made in cellars under the family home that are so old they provided refuge for Pandolfo IV of Capua and Bishop Basilio di Montecassiano throughout a nine year siege begun in 1038....this isn’t Napa Valley! The family also runs a small agri-tourismo that has landed on a list of The 100 Most Romantic Places in Italy and a trattoria where you can eat and, of course, drink well.

Mustilli Sannio Greco Vigna Fontanella 2004, Campania  $7.99

Light, tangy and zippy with citrus, peach and pineapple on the nose, this is VERY refreshing with a clean finish just begging for fish or even a dozen raw oysters. We are reminded of an article we read about the wine preferences of Pope Paul III as recorded by his loyal Cellarmaster, Sante Lancerio: While current critics like to pontificate (so to speak) about the TASTE of a wine with flowery prose and numerical scores, Lancerio was much more concerned with wine’s actual practical uses. Raving about a direct ancestor of this wine he notes that “His Holiness constantly drank it with every meal and even wanted to have it with him in his travels because it is not overpowering and therefore was good for bathing the eyes each morning and also the private parts”...