Each week, I feature a wine that stands out—whether for its unique character, compelling story, or the sheer joy it brings to the glass. This week’s selection is the 2019 La Sibilla Piedirosso Campi Flegrei, a high-QPR gem from Campania, Italy. Made from Piedirosso—a grape that’s as new to me as it is intriguing—this wine delivers a sense of place that’s both captivating and utterly drinkable

La Sibilla; A Legacy in Campi Flegrei

Campania, the “shin” of Italy’s boot, is a region steeped in volcanic history, home to mainland Italy’s only active volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. Just north of Naples lies Campi Flegrei, a breathtaking coastal area shaped by extinct volcanoes and dotted with Roman ruins buried beneath layers of ash. It is here, on a slender outcropping of white volcanic soil surrounded by the Bay of Naples and the Mediterranean Sea, that the Di Meo family has tended vines for four generations. Their winery, La Sibilla, takes its name from the mythic Oracle of Cumae, an homage to the region’s ancient past.

What makes La Sibilla truly special is its ungrafted, century-old vines, thriving in the region’s sandy soils. Free from the need for grafting, these vines offer a rare glimpse into a pre-phylloxera world, producing wines that are celebrated for their purity and authenticity.

Today, Vincenzo Di Meo and his father, Luigi, carry on their family’s legacy of chemical-free farming, planting vegetables between vineyard rows to naturally manage weeds and enrich the soil. From their highest vineyards, with nearly 360-degree views of the sea, the coastal influence infuses every sip of their wines, creating a distinctive and unforgettable expression of Campi Flegrei.

2019 La Sibilla Piedirosso Campi Flegrei

Tasting note: Medium ruby color with sour cherry, raspberry, red plum, dried floral, bramble, tar, and a hint of ocean spray aromas. On the palate it’s light bodied with bright acidity and well integrated fine grained tannins with dried sour cherry, raspberry, plum and warm spice flavors with a hint of saline minerality 12.5% abv|SRP – $23

Pair with  traditional Neapolitan food, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

This is a wine that balances approachability with intrigue—perfect for both casual sipping and thoughtful exploration. In a world of bold, attention-grabbing wines, the 2019 La Sibilla Piedirosso is a quiet standout. It invites you to pause, savor, and reflect—not just on the wine itself but on the centuries of history, tradition, and care in every bottle. For those seeking something off the beaten path, this is a journey well worth taking.