Coda di Volpe: The Volcanic Gem Bringing Freshness and Minerality to Your Glass
Coda di Volpe is an ancient native grape variety from Campania, used since Roman times to produce wines with distinct freshness and minerality. The name comes from the characteristic shape of the bunches which, elongated and hanging, resemble a fox’s tail. This grape variety is closely linked to the volcanic soils of Vesuvius and the hills of Irpinia and Sannio, where it best expresses its potential thanks to the mineral-rich soils. Despite its naturally low acidity, the volcanic soils help balance the aromatic profile of the wine with added freshness and mineral notes.
The Basics
Denomination: Used in the DOC Sannio, Irpinia, Vesuvio, and Campania IGT
Region: Campania, Italy
Alcohol Content: 12-13.5%
Aging: Stainless steel, sometimes in wood for short periods
Vineyard Area: About 555 hectares in Italy
Production Areas
Irpinia DOC: An area famous for wines of great structure and freshness, here Coda di Volpe is often vinified in purity.
Sannio DOC: In this area, the vine takes on greater roundness, with softer and fruitier wines.
Vesuvio DOC: Here, Coda di Volpe is the protagonist of Lacryma Christi, a wine with a mineral and fruity profile, often used in blends.
Styles and Winemaking
Coda di Volpe can be vinified in different versions: from light and fresh dry wines to sweet late-harvest wines. The most common vinification involves the use of stainless steel to preserve the primary aromas of ripe fruit and flowers. Some producers choose to briefly age in wood to add complexity. The wine produced has a straw yellow color with golden reflections, and on the nose, there are notes of peach, pineapple, and honey, with a fresh and dry palate, balanced by good minerality.
Pairings
Thanks to its freshness and versatility, Coda di Volpe pairs perfectly with seafood dishes, pasta with peas and bacon, seafood risotto, or even roast chicken and fresh cheeses like burrata.
