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Rare grape
Perhaps the most special wine from Tenuta Augustea is Cataluna. This grape, the Catalanesca, is still cultivated in only three places. Because of the steep slopes, these grapes can only be cultivated on small pieces of land, spread around Monte Somma on the Vesuvius. The caldera of Monte Somma is located on the north side of Mount Vesuvius.
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Catalan influence
In the 15th century, the area around Naples, together with the entire South of Italy, was part of the Kingdom of Sicily. Since 1443, this kingdom was ruled by the Catalan king Alfonso V of Aragon. During this period, the Catalanesca grape was introduced to the Naples area and planted on the flanks of Mount Vesuvius.
Almost disappeared
After the great wine plague of the 19th century, the Catalanesca grape disappeared almost entirely from the world stage. Except on Mount Vesuvius, where it survived on small pieces of land. Marco Vincenzo proudly talks about the fact that he is one of the few who can still produce this wine.
Alberello trees
The grapes grow on free-standing trees (the Alberello method) on extremely steep slopes at an altitude of about 400 meters. Therefore no agricultural vehicles can be used, and everything is done by hand. Not only the picking, but also the transport of the grapes is done manually. Altogether a very labour-intensive process.
Full-bodied and fruity
Although this is hard work, it's all worth it because the result is a fantastic full-bodied white wine. This dark yellow wine has elegant aromas of yellow flowers (broom), citrus, peach, and wild herbs. Cataluna is a full, juicy wine with a sweet, lingering finish. As the winemaker tells us; “this is a white wine that is as full-bodied as a red wine”. In short, a unique wine, from a unique winemaker in a unique place.
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