All about Campania wines in Italy
Well known for the city of Naples, the remains of Pompeii and Vesuvius, Campania is less known for its wines. And yet, this small wine-producing region with an ancient history is full of very interesting wines thanks to the many indigenous grape varieties that enhance the terroir and the people who produce them.
History of wine production in Campania
History teaches us that the vine was already present in the 3rd century BC. During the Roman Empire, the vine and its cultivation developed as in the rest of the peninsula. Writings speak of a white wine called Falernum, which made the reputation of this wine region in Roman times. Today, viticulture remains a matter of small producers; current production is tiny compared to provinces like Tuscany or Piedmont. However, for some time now, a revival has been taking place in the
Campania wine region with the modernization of viticulture and vinification techniques.
Geography of Campania wines
Located between Lazio and Calabria, Campania borders the Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Italy. Its vineyards are divided into 5 provinces: Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Naples and Salerno. The climate gives hot and dry summers and rather mild winters, the fresh winds coming from the Mediterranean allow a good ventilation and a good ripening of the berries. The soils are volcanic in the area of Vesuvius, while limestone and clay dominate in the rest of the region.
Viticulture in Campania
The region has four DOCG, fifteen DOC and nine IGT spread over 24,700 hectares. Annual production is approximately 715,000 hectoliters. Viticulture is becoming more modern and is mostly carried out by small independent producers.
The red grape varieties of Campania
Here the indigenous grape varieties are king, especially Aglianico, which makes up the Taurasi, the only DOCG in red wine in Campania. This variety gives wines with a deep color, intense aromas and substance in the mouth. There are other very local varieties such as Piedirosso, Sciascinoso; Sangiovese is also grown.
By the way, did you know that Taurasi, because of its characteristics, is known as the Barolo of the South?
The white grape varieties of Campania
As with the red varieties, Campania also has many endemic varieties: Greco Bianco, Falanghina, Trebbiano, Fiano are examples. Dry whites, with fruity and floral notes; pleasant wines to drink young.
Other Specialties of Campania
If you're in the mood for Campania, don't hesitate to stop in the Pompeii area to taste the famous Lacryma Christi wine; a wine produced in white, rosé and red. And if you still have time, stop by the
Cantina Sanpaolo located in the vicinity of Avellino to taste some fantastic wines including a Greco di Tufo. An aromatic white wine that will leave you with an excellent memory of Campania.
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