The land
Campania sits south of Lazio, between the Apennine mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The wine-growing zones are concentrated in the inland Irpinia hills east of Vesuvius - Avellino province - on volcanic soils that are some of the most distinctive in Italy. The Mount Vesuvius zone produces Lacryma Christi from the slopes of the still-active volcano. The Amalfi Coast and the Cilento further south also produce wine. Wine has been made in Campania for at least 2,500 years; ancient Falernian wine (described by Pliny and Horace) was made here.
The appellations
Taurasi DOCG: the prestigious Aglianico-dominant red appellation, often called the 'Barolo of the south'. Greco di Tufo DOCG: the volcanic-soiled white from the village of Tufo. Fiano di Avellino DOCG: the noble white from Irpinia. Falanghina del Sannio DOC and Campi Flegrei DOC: the lighter, fresher whites. Aglianico del Taburno DOCG. Costa d'Amalfi DOC.
Style of the wines
Volcanic minerality is the recurring theme. The reds (Aglianico-led Taurasi especially) are deeply structured, age-worthy, and require patience. The whites (Greco, Fiano, Falanghina) are typically high-acid, mineral, and serious. The cuisine of Campania - mozzarella di bufala, baccalà, pasta with seafood, lamb on the spit in Irpinia - pairs naturally with these wines.
Vintages to know
2019: outstanding. 2017: exceptional. 2016: legendary. 2010: great Taurasi vintage.
Producers we know
Mastroberardino (the historical reference - kept the indigenous grape varieties alive through the difficult mid-20th century), Feudi di San Gregorio, Quintodecimo, Pietracupa, Marisa Cuomo (Costa d'Amalfi), Cantine del Mare (Campi Flegrei), Vesevo, Donnachiara.
On our shelves
Wines in the catalogue that match this entry by region or country.