Campania
Campania is a major wine-producing region in southern Italy, noted for its volcanic soils, historic viticultural heritage, and distinctive native grape varieties. The region is particularly associated with the red Aglianico and the whites Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina.[1]
Background
Viticulture in Campania dates back to ancient times, when the Greeks and later the Romans regarded the region as a source of prized wines. The celebrated Falernian wine of Roman antiquity was produced on the slopes of Mount Falernus in northern Campania.[2] The survival of many indigenous grape varieties through centuries of cultivation, including the phylloxera crisis, has given Campania a uniquely rich ampelographic heritage.[3]
Terroir and Characteristics
The region’s vineyards are shaped by a combination of volcanic soils, coastal influences, and inland elevations. Volcanic ash and tufa from Mount Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei contribute minerality and structure to the wines.[4] The Mediterranean climate ensures warm, sunny summers, while altitude in areas such as Irpinia allows for cooler nights and longer ripening seasons, producing wines of notable freshness and balance.[5]
Key Grapes
Campania’s identity is closely linked to its indigenous grapes:
- Aglianico – a late-ripening red variety yielding deeply structured wines, particularly in the Taurasi DOCG.
- Fiano – a white variety producing aromatic, ageworthy wines, most famously in Fiano di Avellino DOCG.
- Greco – responsible for the mineral and firm wines of Greco di Tufo DOCG.
- Falanghina – a versatile white grape often associated with fresh, citrus-driven wines.
- Piedirosso – a local red variety traditionally blended, producing lighter and softer wines.
Appellations
Campania is home to three DOCG appellations:
- Taurasi DOCG – centred on Aglianico, often called the “Barolo of the South”.[6]
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG – renowned for complex, aromatic whites with ageing potential.
- Greco di Tufo DOCG – distinguished by firm, mineral-driven white wines.
Other important denominations include Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC, produced on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, and Falerno del Massico DOC, regarded as a modern successor to the ancient Falernian wine.[7]
Modern Reputation
While Campania once struggled with bulk production, the late 20th century saw a revival focused on quality and the rediscovery of native grapes. Investment in modern techniques, alongside respect for tradition, has elevated Campania’s standing on the international stage. Today, its wines are recognised for combining Mediterranean warmth with distinctive minerality and longevity.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Phillips, A Short History of Wine, HarperCollins, 2000.
- ↑ Scienza, Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Campania, Touring Editore, 2011. (Italian original)
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011.
- ↑ Consorzio Tutela Vini Campania, “Vini della Campania”, consorziovinicampania.it. (Italian original)
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 2019.