Campania’s Wines: 10 Bottles That’ll Make You Fall in Love

Blog, Buyers' guide, Italian Culture & Traditions, Travel

Written by Silvana Lanzetta

14.04.2023

Welcome to a captivating journey through Campania’s diverse wine landscape! In this engaging and personal guide, we’ll explore the unique terroir, local grape varieties, and a selection of the region’s finest wines, handpicked for every occasion. So grab a glass, sit back, and join us as we uncover the magic of Campania’s wine offerings and unveil the stories behind these extraordinary bottles. Cheers to discovering the heart and soul of Campania’s wines.

Vineyard by the Vesuvius

Campania’s wines are like a symphony of flavours, a harmonious blend of history and passion that captures the essence of Italy’s sun-kissed coast and transports you to the heart of this enchanting land with every sip.

Hey there, fellow wine lover! Are you on the lookout for some fabulous wine from Campania to add a touch of Italian charm to your special occasions? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with a handpicked selection from the finest Campania’s wines. So, let’s embark on a journey to discover the unique flavours and stories of this enchanting Italian region.

Campania is known for its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and, of course, its amazing wines. Thanks to the region’s proximity to the sea, fertile volcanic soil, and mild climate, Campania is home to a wide variety of grapevines that create distinctive and memorable wines. It’s no wonder that the region has earned the nickname Campania Felix, meaning “fruitful land.”

Are you ready to explore the most outstanding wines that Campania has to offer? Keep reading as we take you through the captivating world of Campania’s wines, from the scents of the coast to the rugged inland areas. Together, we’ll uncover the best Campanian wines to fall head over heels for.

Campania Wine - glasses of red and white wine

Campania’s terroir and how it impacts the region’s wines

The character of these fabulous wines is shaped by the region’s terroir, which gives them a one-of-a-kind personality that truly reflects southern Italy. So, what makes Campania’s terroir so special? Let’s break it down:

Soil:

You’ll find a fascinating mix of soils in Campania, ranging from volcanic to clay, sand, and limestone. These diverse soils create an intriguing backdrop for the region’s wines. The volcanic soils around Vesuvius, for example, are dark, crumbly, and mineral-rich. They help grapes develop those unique earthy or smoky notes we all love. Meanwhile, the clay and limestone soils in places like Avellino and Benevento add structure, minerality, and aromatic complexity to the wines.

Climate:

The Mediterranean climate in Campania, with its mild winters and warm, dry summers, plays a big role in shaping the character of the wines. The extended growing season allows grapes to develop complex flavours and balanced acidity. And, let’s not forget the sea! The coastal influence adds fresh, saline notes that enhance the wines’ aromatic profiles.

Topography:

Campania’s diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to mountainous inland areas, have a major impact on the terroir. Higher elevation vineyards in Avellino and Benevento enjoy cooler temperatures and better sun exposure. This leads to more concentrated flavours and balanced acidity. On the other hand, coastal vineyards in Naples and the Islands get a helping hand from the sea. It results in wines that are fresh, fragrant, and packed with unique fruit profiles.

Local Winemaking Traditions:

We can’t talk about Campania’s terroir without mentioning the region’s rich winemaking heritage and native grape varieties. Grapes like Aglianico, Fiano, Greco di Tufo, and Falanghina have adapted to Campania’s unique conditions over the centuries, creating wines that embody the region’s essence. And it’s not just about the grapes! Traditional winemaking practices, such as ageing in specific oak barrels or using particular fermentation techniques, also play a vital role in shaping Campania’s distinct wine styles.

The 5 key areas where the best Campania’s wines are produced

Campania is divided into five major wine-producing areas: Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Naples, and the Islands. Each area boasts its own unique characteristics and native grape varieties:

Avellino:

Nestled in the lush hills of Campania, Avellino is home to some of the region’s most renowned wines, such as Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino, and Greco di Tufo. The volcanic clay soil and higher elevations in this area provide ideal conditions for these grapes. It results in wines with remarkable structure, minerality, and complexity.

Benevento:

Known for its Sannio wines, Benevento is a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties. The area’s fertile soil and unique microclimate nurture grapes like Falanghina, Aglianico, and Coda di Volpe. The resulting wines are full of character, boasting aromatic profiles that range from fruity and floral to spicy and mineral-driven.

Caserta:

Located near the Tyrrhenian Sea, Caserta is famous for its Aglianico, Primitivo, and Falanghina wines. The area’s remarkable citrus notes, structure, and softness make these wines truly stand out. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Asprinio wine, known for its delicate freshness and vibrant acidity.

Naples:

The vibrant city of Naples and its surrounding areas offer a diverse selection of grape varieties, thanks to the unique terroir of the Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius. Wines like Falanghina and Piedirosso flourish in the silica sand soil, producing fresh, fragrant, and fairly structured wines. Don’t forget the legendary Lacryma Christi. It’s made from a blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso grapes, which offers a rich, dense red wine with aromas of violets and cherries.

The Islands:

The breathtaking islands of Capri and Ischia, along with the coastal areas of the Sorrento Peninsula, showcase a variety of unique wines. In Capri, limestone vineyards produce a lighter, less structured Falanghina. Ischia gives us a richer, fuller Piedirosso perfect for pairing with meat dishes.

scroll down to discover the 10 best Campania’s wines

To help you navigate the world of Campania’s wines, I’ve put together a list of the top 5 reds and whites you simply must try. These are the wines that have captured the hearts of wine lovers everywhere, and I’m sure they’ll win you over too.

Top 5 Campania’s Red Wines

1. Taurasi Polyphemus Luigi Tecci

This stunning Taurasi wine from Campania is crafted by renowned winemaker Luigi Tecce, using old vines for a complex and flavourful experience. With 100% Aglianico grapes, this ruby red wine offers captivating aromas like cherry, pink pepper, wisteria, and mallow.
Aged for 10 months in steel barrels and 24 months in wooden barrels, this 14.5% alcohol wine is both powerful and elegant. Perfect with hearty dishes like stewed red meat and game. As a limited production wine, Taurasi Polifemo Vecchie Vigne Luigi Tecci is a treasure for wine lovers and collectors. It ages gracefully and develops even richer flavours over time.

2. Piedirosso Terra di Lavoro

This delightful red wine strikes the perfect balance between persistence and intensity. Made from a blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso grapes, it offers a warm, silky, and enveloping taste.

The vineyards for this wine grow on the slopes of Vesuvius, surrounded by olive and chestnut groves. This unique environment imbues the wine with enticing scents of blueberry, blackberry, and licorice.

Piedirosso Terra di Lavoro is an enchanting wine that’s perfect for cosy nights in or sharing with friends over a delicious meal. With an alcohol content of 14%, it pairs well with stewed red meat, game, and roasted or grilled meats. Trust me, this wine will quickly become a favourite in your collection!

3. Aglianico Core Montevetrano

This outstanding red wine showcases the full-bodied and fruity character of the Aglianico grape. A true gem from the region, this wine will captivate your senses and elevate your dining experience.

The Core is aged for 10 months in Nevers, Allier, and Tronçais oak barrels, followed by a 4-month bottle refinement. This process enhances its delightful aromas of black cherries, cinnamon, cocoa, and cardamom.

With an alcohol content of 13%, Aglianico Core Montevetrano is perfect for indulging alongside Campanian rustic cuisine and aged cheeses. So, pour a glass of this fantastic wine, and let the enchanting flavours of Campania transport you to the rolling hills and vineyards of southern Italy.

4. Lacrima Christi Olivella

Get ready to fall in love with Lacrima Christi Olivella! This divine red wine hails from Campania and has a fascinating legend tied to it. According to the tale, before the son of God fell into hell, his divine tears gave birth to sacred vines – thus the name “Lacrima Christi,” or “Tears of Christ.”

This complex and rich wine offers delightful aromas of small fruits and licorice. Aged for 7 months in stainless steel barrels and refined for another 3 months in the bottle, it achieves a beautiful balance and smooth texture.

With an alcohol content of 13%, Lacrima Christi Olivella pairs exquisitely with roast red meat, aged cheeses, and pasta with meat sauce. This is my favourite red wine, and I hope you will enjoy it too.

5. Nativ Eremo di San Quirico Campi

This sumptuous red wine from the hills of Avellino is made from 100% Aglianico grapes, offering a dense, velvety palate and an alluring bouquet of wild berries, cherries, and spices.

With an alcohol content of 14.5%, this wine is a delightful indulgence that pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, red meat, and game dishes. It’s the perfect companion for a memorable dinner party or a romantic evening at home.

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a bottle of Nativ Eremo di San Quirico Campi? Unwind, sip, and savour the captivating flavours of this beautiful wine.

Silvana Lanzetta

“Ciao, I’m Silvana, a fourth-generation pasta artisan from Napoli with a lifetime of experience! I began making pasta at the tender age of 5 under the watchful eye of my pasta-making generalissimo, my granny. Through her guidance, I’ve become a master in crafting traditional pasta dishes. Since 2014, I have been teaching pasta making classes in London, sharing my expertise with aspiring pasta enthusiasts. I’ve also had the privilege of showcasing my knowledge on BBC and in national newspapers like The Sun and iNews, and held pasta making demonstration in Harrods. Join me in exploring the world of Italian pasta and let’s create unforgettable culinary experiences together!”Artisan Pasta Maker & Food Writer

Top 5 Campania’s White Wines

1. Falanghina Quintodecimo

This elegant Campanian gem is made from 100% Falanghina grapes. This variety is celebrated for its soft, delicate character and balanced acidity.

The wine’s captivating golden-yellow hue is a treat for the eyes, while its alluring aromas of pineapple, apple, wildflowers, and herbs enchant the nose. Quintodecimo is a true expression of the unique terroir of Campania, showcasing the region’s charm in every sip.

With an alcohol content of 13.5%, Falanghina Quintodecimo is an ideal choice for seafood pasta and legume soups. So, gather your friends or family, pop open a bottle, and enjoy the vibrant flavours of this exceptional white wine’

2. Greco di Tufo Poggi Reali

This charming wine from Avellino is made from the Greco grape variety, known for producing intense, harmonious, and dry flavours with a beautiful straw-yellow hue.

Grown at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level, Poggi Reali ferments in steel tanks, resulting in a rich, intense, and savoury taste. Its enchanting bouquet is filled with the scents of wildflowers and a gentle minerality that lingers on your palate.

With an alcohol content of 14%, Greco di Tufo Poggi Reali is a versatile companion for various dishes, especially hot fish appetisers and fish soup. This is my favourite white wine. Everytime I uncork this extraordinary wine I travel back to the picturesque hillsides of my Campania.

3. Fiano Xoros

Crafted from the Fiano grape variety, this wine is known for its velvety texture, satisfying minerality, and rich finish that will leave you wanting more.

Fiano Xoros boasts a captivating straw-yellow colour, accompanied by a decisive taste and alluring floral notes and yellow pulp fruit aromas. Made exclusively in steel and rested for almost a year before bottling, this Fiano di Avellino stands out with its unique character.

With a 13.5% alcohol content, Fiano Xoros is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with fish-based pasta, fried fish, and grilled seafood. I’m sure that this wonderful white wine will become soon one of your favourite. Give it a try and let me know!

4. Biancolella Crateca

The elegant Biancolella Crateca comes from the enchanting island of Ischia. This delightful wine is produced from the Biancolella grape variety, known for its easy-drinking, yet intense flavours and fragrances of almond, peach, and minerality.

Crateca is a rich and complex blend that also features Fiano and Greco grapes. Its intense gold colour hints at the delightful medley of aromas waiting to greet your senses—yellow flowers, pineapple, and subtle notes of spices from the Mediterranean scrub.

With a 13% alcohol content, Biancolella Crateca is a versatile wine. It pairs beautifully with aperitifs, fish-based pasta, and seafood dishes. I remember my family hunting for this exceptional wine everytime we sailed to Ischia. My uncle Gigino managed to become friendly with a local producer, and he would always bring us the most wonderful wine.

Coda di Volpe Nymphis

Coda di Volpe Nymphis is a refreshing and delightful white wine hailing from Benevento. Produced from 100% Coda di Volpe grapes, this charming wine is known for its inviting straw-yellow colour and lively freshness.

Nymphis is a still wine, vinified in steel to preserve its crisp, vibrant character. When you take a moment to inhale its bouquet, you’ll be greeted by enchanting scents of quince, yellow peaches, and delicate floral aromas. With a 13% alcohol content, this wine is a true delight to the senses.

Whether you’re enjoying an aperitif, savouring a plate of succulent shellfish, or dining on white meats, Coda di Volpe Nymphis is the perfect companion to elevate your culinary experience. Share a bottle with your favourite people and let the magic of this delightful wine bring you all closer together.

These Campania’s wines are sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to treat yourself to a delicious bottle of Italian wine. Just remember, choosing the perfect wine is ultimately a personal decision, based on your own tastes and preferences. But I’m confident that these Campania’s wines will delight your senses and transport you to the sun-soaked hills and sparkling coastlines of this beautiful region.

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