Campania in the south of Italy is the ‘shin’ of the boot! The landscape is covered with lemon trees, olive groves and vineyards. The region has many world-famous attractions including the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Ischia, Capri, Naples, Vesuvius, as well as the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum. Not forgetting that this is the original home of pizza! Winemaking has been going on here since the 13th century B.C. and was developed by the Greeks.
Wine production in Campania is spread over the provinces of Avellino and Benevento to the west of Naples, Caserta to the north and Cilento to the south. There are 4 DOCG’s, 15 DOC’s and 10 IGT’s. The outstanding red, Taurasi DOCG, grows further to the east.
Campania is home to 100 native grapes. The main whites are Fiano, Falanghina and Greco di Tufo which produce floral, mineral, stone fruit characters. The important black grapes are Aglianico, one of Italy’s finest which produces full-bodied, deeply coloured, tannic wines, Primitivo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Greco Nero.
The climate is firmly Mediterranean, blessed with plentiful sunshine and dry conditions and mild winters. Sea breezes and high altitude help to mitigate the hot summer temperatures. Avellino is further inland and its climate also has a Continental influence. Much of Campania’s soil is volcanic and porous, though the hills and valleys closer to the Apennine Mountains have more limestone mixed with clay.
FUN FACT
JOIN US ON AN UPCOMING WINE TOUR
Campania WINE TOUR
24-28 May 2022
A Campania wine tour is the ultimate experience of Southern Italy’s ancient heritage and distinct culture. It is the birthplace of pizza, pasta di Gragnano and mozzarella di bufala, likely the most famous cheese in the world. And it’s also the home to a long history of fine winemaking – with over 100 native grapes including Aglianico and some of the country’s best white wines, such as Greco di Tufo, Falanghina and Fiano. Based in Taurasi and Cilento, we’ll visit family wineries, a buffalo mozzarella farm, enjoy fabulous food, and see the ancient site of Paestum. You could even extend your stay in the Sorrento Peninsula or Amalfi Coast. Campania really is a destination like no other.
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