Campania
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
Past Tours to Campania
Italy is one of the world’s greatest food destinations, and that’s one of the reasons we love it so much! Southern Italy is the heart of the country’s gastronomy scene, producing greats such as mouth-watering mozzarella, succulent seafood and everyone’s favourite, Neapolitan pizza. And our four-day wine tour to Campania didn’t let us down!
Located about two hours south of Rome, the wine region of Campania is a magical and romantic place. The word ‘Campania’ means ‘Happy Land’, and the locals told us that the landscape is similar to that of Piedmont. I would have to agree because Campania is beautiful with rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, red poppies, and rocky mountain cliffs. And so to exploring this fabulous wine region!
