THE TERRITORY.
De Falco Vini has been producing excellent wines since 1990 in the Vesuvius National Park. We have transformed a land with truly unique characteristics into added value: volcanic lava and clay give our wines their unmistakable properties and aromas. Nature has gifted us with a unique and wonderful ecosystem that we aim to preserve and share with all wine lovers. Our wines are born from the historic grape varieties of Campania, already mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia: Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, and Piedirosso, which, together with Aglianico, Greco, Fiano, and our new Vesuvio D.O.C. collection, represent the pride of our winemaking tradition. From these vines and this generous land, we produce wines that embody the fire and passion of those who work every day in the shadow of the volcano.
Our vineyards on Mount Vesuvius thrive on volcanic soil, formed from the breakdown of magmatic and pyroclastic rocks created by ancient volcanic eruptions. This land is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and silicon, and especially in potassium—an essential element for healthy vine growth. Potassium plays a key role in many biological processes like sugar synthesis, aroma formation, and fruit coloration. No other soil, whether calcareous, morainic, or metamorphic, offers such a wealth of minerals.
Volcanic soil is known for its excellent drainage, due to its high porosity, which prevents waterlogging and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Its thermal properties also promote a gradual warming of the roots during the day
and a slow release of heat at night, encouraging more even grape ripening.
The very nature of this soil protects vines from phylloxera, allowing them to grow on their own roots. Another distinctive feature is its high acidity, which can influence the pH of both the must and the finished wines, helping to preserve freshness and brightness in the final product.
The low fertility of volcanic soil forces the vines to grow deeper root systems, which naturally limits their vigor and enhances the aromatic concentration of the grapes. The vines develop extensive, deep roots and adapt well to water stress, resulting in low yields but exceptionally high-quality grapes with great aromatic intensity.
These characteristics are immediately evident in the wines, which show delicate mineral notes on the nose and a fresh, savory profile on the palate.
There is a clear connection between these volcanic soils—composed of basalt, tuff, and pumice—and the expressive flavor and balance typically found in wines grown in such environments.
- Intense minerality, with distinctive saline and smoky notes.
- High natural acidity, contributing to the wine’s freshness and longevity.
- Great aromatic complexity, with hints of flint, graphite, spices, and citrus in white wines, while red wines often reveal notes of iron, earth, and red fruits.
