2016 ITALY Trecase 48 - Lunch on the Vine

Lunch was at a fine winery. Yay! But poor Giuseppe had a challenge. To get there, we drove down the narrowest of roads. No room for cars to pass if they met head on. Once at our destination, there was a tight right turn into a very narrow driveway. Cars were waiting in the road while G tried backing into the narrow gates.

He to-and-fro-ed it close to a dozen times trying to squeeze in. Bystanders gave directions and warned if he got too close to the tall stone wall surrounding the property (see sign pix below). He got in, but alas scrapped his brand new van on one fender. Bummer!

Casa Setaro (the family name) is a winery with grapevines in the yard, processing operation, cellars, and a family home with swimming pool and lovely garden all on the homestead. It is located on the slopes of Vesuvius in a suburban area of Trecase.

Massimo, in the tradition of his family, runs the entire 10-year old operation from vine to bottle. They grow both red and white grapes. At this moment the grapes seemed ready to magically burst into wine.

First we sat for a wonderful small plate lunch, including excellent wine pairings, as Massimo explained their history and their operation. The house reminded me of our California ranch style home. We lunched on their open air veranda.

Although they are a young winery, Massimo boasts they have already won awards for this Spumante Bianchi. 

Another of their popular wines is Lacryma Christi Riserva Don Vincenzo (named after Massimo's papa). Here is what was served today.

Massimo's young children, Alessia and Vincenzo, served the food while mom Mariarosaria (in white) looked on. So cute and eager to help.

 

After the repast, we enjoyed exploring the property, petting their dog Pluto, chatting with mom, and playing foosball with the kids. 

Then we toured the operation with Massimo and daughter leading the way. Looks like she'll be a vintner some day. Except for a few here, most of their vines are located just inside Vesuvius National Park. Area soils are influenced by volcanic debris--loose and rich with black sand and lapilli (little stones). It is dense with minerals, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and silica.

Then we saw the small but growing processing facility.

All the equipment was new and modern. A small, but high-class operation.

 

The cellar is conveniently located under the family home. The humidity and temp are perfect there.  They use American and French oak barrels. This is the shortest work commute I could ever imagine--just a stairway away. I'd be wine testing and tasting all night every night. 

We so enjoyed this stop. We came into the family home and felt like relatives. The atmosphere was warm and open. Kind of hated to leave, but time and sightseeing marches on.

http://www.casasetaro.it/en/chi-siamo/