Cantine Astroni 2023 Cratere Rosso Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC

The Wine

The 2023 Cratere Rosso reflects its volcanic roots around Mt Vesuvio. It blends the soft approachability of Piedirosso with the tannic strength of Aglianico.  If you ever want a wine to exhibit as the classic expression of a red from Campania, you can't do any better than this - a wine that captures the region’s distinctive mix of bright fruit, herbaceousness, and smoky minerality. 

The wine begins with aromas of red fruits - cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate - on top of a subtle smokiness that reflects the volcanic soils, not the toast of an oak barrel. 

On the palate, this is a medium‑bodied wine with lively, crisp acidity and pleasantly rustic tannins that give it grip without heaviness. Notes of red plum, dried herbs, and a faint iron‑tinged minerality carry through the finish. Typical of Italian reds, this is a wine that begs to be paired with food!

Pairings: Pizza Margharita, eggplant parmesan, flash-grilled swordfish with herbs, pork shoulder cooked low and slow, or lamb anything. Bridge ingredients include tomato with oregano and basil, Garlic, smoked or charred preparations, bitter greens and mildly hot peppers and seasonings. Ideal cheese pairings include Caciocovallo, Provolone or Pecorino. Not bad with Parmesan, now that I think of it!

The Winery

Cantine Astroni sits on the Visuvian slopes where they've promote the native grapes of the region. Their sandy/volcanic soils produce powerful wines with a nice balance of elegance. The Varchetta family has been farming and making wine here for generations, focusing on preserving local varieties and minimal interventionist winemaking that emphasizes the distinct character of their volcanic soils.