2024 Martusciello - Penisola Sorrentina DOC Gragnano Otto Uve (750ml)

Salvatore Martusciello built his reputation working at his family's Grotta del Sole estate near Naples, dedicating himself to reviving Campania's nearly forgotten native grape varieties from the Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius. In 1991 he struck out with his wife, Gilda, to found his own vineyard, continuing that same commitment to indigenous grapes on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Hands-on to this day, Martusciello is known for personally delivering bottles to customers so he can talk them through the wine's character.

Otto Uve, meaning eight grapes, is named for the number of native varieties folded into this Gragnano: Piedirosso, Aglianico, and Sciascinoso make up at least sixty percent of the blend, rounded out by smaller amounts of Suppezza, Castagnara, and Olivella. Grapes are hand-picked from vineyards around Gragnano and Pimonte in twenty-kilogram crates starting in early October, then destemmed and given a short, three-day skin maceration before a soft press and a cool, controlled fermentation. In keeping with local tradition, the wine is bottled young, as early as November, to preserve its fresh, lightly sparkling character.

The 2024 pours a deep ruby with a lively bead and offers raspberry, cherry, and strawberry fruit alongside lemon zest and crisp citrus notes. The palate stays dry, with fruitiness balanced against bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. This is the classic companion to Neapolitan pizza, though it also holds its own with fried appetizers or a plate of cured meats.