Cantine Matrone is a small wine estate located on the southern slopes of Mount Vesuvius in Campania, Italy. The estate comprises five hectares of vineyards, complemented by three hectares of woodland and one hectare of fruit trees, including citrus, olive and fig. Owned and managed by Andrea Matrone and his cousin Francesco, the winery continues a family tradition dating back to the 1700s.
Carrying on this legacy in a unique environment, the estate is situated within the Vesuvius National Park, where the vineyards benefit from volcanic soils rich in lapilli and minerals, contributing to the distinctive character of the wines.
Cantine Matrone practices organic farming, employing green manure, organic compost, and horse manure to enrich the soil. The winery eschews chemical treatments, relying instead on natural methods to combat pests and diseases. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentations are conducted with minimal sulfur usage, typically below 10 mg/liter. Wines are neither clarified nor filtered, preserving their natural expression.
The winery focuses on indigenous grape varieties, some of which are nearly extinct. Key white grapes include Caprettone, Falanghina, and Greco, while red varieties encompass Piedirosso, Aglianico, Cascaveglia, and Sciascinoso. Notable wines include:
- ‘E Magliole: Primarily Caprettone with some Falanghina, this white wine undergoes partial skin maceration and is aged in stainless steel.
- Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso: Comprising 90% Piedirosso and 10% Aglianico, this wine is aged for 14 months in 500-liter tonneaux followed by 10 months in stainless steel.
