Campania: The Ancient Wines of Southern Italy
Where Italian tradition meets Austrian influence to create wines of exceptional quality and finesse.
In Campania, the soil speaks to the vine, and the vine speaks to the soul.
- Traditional Italian proverb
The Ancient Wines of Campania: A Heritage of Quality
Nestled in the northernmost part of Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige is a region where Alpine climates and Italian and Austrian influences combine to create a truly unique wine experience. The region’s vineyards are protected by the towering Dolomites and are nurtured by cool, crisp mountain air, producing wines with freshness, elegance, and a striking minerality.
The region is divided into two main areas: Trentino, which is primarily Italian, and Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol), which has strong Austrian roots. This blend of cultures is reflected in the region’s wine styles and grape varieties, including Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, and the local red grape, Lagrein.
The wines of Trentino-Alto Adige are known for their lightness, finesse, and the perfect balance of acidity and freshness. The cool climate produces elegant white wines that are ideal for aging, while the reds, particularly Lagrein, offer intensity and rich fruit flavors.
This is just the beginning of exploring the outstanding wines of this Alpine region. Stay tuned for more details on the region’s sub-regions, famous grape varieties, and notable producers.
Explore the Famous Sub-Regions of Campania
Taurasi DOCG & Fiano di Avellino DOCG: The Gems of Campania
Campania’s wine regions are shaped by its volcanic soils, which provide the perfect foundation for some of Italy’s most renowned wines. Two sub-regions stand out for their excellence and historical significance: Taurasi DOCG and Fiano di Avellino DOCG. Each has its own unique characteristics, producing wines that express the true essence of the Campanian terroir.
🍇 Taurasi DOCG – Often referred to as the "Barolo of the South," Taurasi DOCG is famous for its Aglianico-based wines, which are known for their depth, tannic structure, and aging potential. The vineyards of Taurasi benefit from the region’s warm, dry climate, combined with the long ripening period that allows the Aglianico grape to achieve full ripeness. The resulting wines are rich and concentrated, with flavors of dark fruit, earthiness, and a touch of smoke. Taurasi DOCG is renowned for producing wines that age beautifully, developing complex layers of flavor over time.
🍇 Fiano di Avellino DOCG – Fiano di Avellino is one of Campania’s most aromatic white wines, made from the Fiano grape. The region’s volcanic soils give the wine its characteristic minerality, while the warm climate provides the perfect balance of richness and acidity. Fiano di Avellino is known for its floral aromas, with notes of honey, citrus, and herbs. It is a wine that showcases both elegance and freshness, making it a perfect companion for seafood dishes or fresh cheeses.
The Grapes Behind Campania’s Renowned Wines
Aglianico, Fiano, Greco: The Heart of Campania’s Wines
Campania’s wines are defined by its ancient grape varieties, which have been cultivated in the region for centuries. The climate and volcanic soils offer the perfect environment for these varieties to thrive, resulting in wines that are both unique and complex.
🍇 Aglianico – Often referred to as the "King of the South," Aglianico is the grape responsible for Campania’s most famous red wines, particularly in the Taurasi DOCG. This grape produces wines that are full-bodied, tannic, and capable of aging for decades. Aglianico wines are known for their dark fruit flavors, with notes of plum, cherry, and blackberry, as well as subtle hints of spice and earthiness. They are wines with great aging potential, which evolve over time into more complex and refined expressions.
🍇 Fiano – Fiano is the grape behind Fiano di Avellino, one of Campania’s most celebrated white wines. Known for its aromatic qualities, Fiano produces wines that are floral, with aromas of honeysuckle, citrus, and a touch of herbaceousness. The volcanic soils in which Fiano is grown contribute to its mineral-driven character, and its high acidity ensures a wine that is both fresh and structured. Fiano is also known for its aging potential, developing more complex and honeyed notes as it matures.
🍇 Greco – Another important white grape variety in Campania, Greco is used to produce wines such as Greco di Tufo DOCG. This grape thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of the region, where it produces wines with intense aromatics, zesty acidity, and a distinctive minerality. Greco wines are known for their rich texture and vibrant citrus flavors, with hints of green apple and almond. Like Fiano, Greco also has a remarkable ability to age, developing a more complex profile over time.
Explore the Notable Producers of Campania
Mastroberardino, Feudi di San Gregorio: Icons of Campanian Winemaking
Campania is home to several prestigious wineries that have helped shape the region's reputation for producing exceptional wines. The two standout producers, Mastroberardino and Feudi di San Gregorio, are widely regarded as pillars of Campanian winemaking, known for their commitment to quality and preserving the region’s ancient wine traditions.
🍇 Mastroberardino – One of the most iconic names in Campania, Mastroberardino has been a pioneer in the revival and promotion of the region’s indigenous grape varieties, particularly Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco. The winery has been producing wine for centuries and is known for its historic vineyards and commitment to preserving traditional winemaking techniques. Mastroberardino’s Taurasi DOCG is widely considered one of the finest expressions of Aglianico, producing rich, tannic wines that have great aging potential and complexity.
🍇 Feudi di San Gregorio – Established in 1986, Feudi di San Gregorio has quickly become one of the leading wineries in Campania, known for its innovative approach and dedication to producing wines that showcase the best of the region’s terroir. The winery is particularly known for its Fiano di Avellino and Aglianico wines, which have garnered international acclaim. Feudi di San Gregorio focuses on producing wines that highlight the aromatic richness and minerality of Campania’s native varieties, with a commitment to both modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship.
Both of these producers have played a significant role in elevating Campania's wines on the global stage, and their wines are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Explore the Famous Vintages of Campania
Trentino-Alto Adige has seen several outstanding vintages that showcase the region’s ability to produce wines of elegance, balance, and freshness. These years have allowed the region’s white wines to shine, particularly Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer, while also producing deep and structured reds, such as Lagrein.
📅 2013 – A Cool and Balanced Year
- The 2013 vintage was characterized by a cool growing season that produced wines with excellent balance and acidity. The white wines, especially Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer, exhibited crisp freshness with an elegant mineral finish. This vintage is considered ideal for white wines, with wines that are perfectly structured and versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes.
- Notable wines: Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer.
📅 2016 – A Warm Growing Season with Perfect Harvest Conditions
- The 2016 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, creating wines of great intensity and aromatic complexity. The reds, such as Lagrein, developed rich fruit flavors with well-rounded tannins and a silky texture. The white wines were aromatic and full of depth, with vibrant acidity and expressive fruit notes.
- Notable wines: Lagrein, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer.
📅 2019 – A Cooler Year Producing Elegant, Well-Structured Wines
- The 2019 vintage saw a return to cooler temperatures, producing wines with great elegance and balance. The red wines from this year, particularly Lagrein, are known for their refined structure and subtle tannins, while the white wines retain their characteristic freshness and vibrant acidity. This vintage is highly regarded for its well-structured wines that show good aging potential.
- Notable wines: Lagrein, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer.
These famous vintages highlight the versatility and quality of Trentino-Alto Adige wines, showcasing the region’s ability to produce wines that stand the test of time, with elegance, freshness, and complexity.
Store Your Campania Wines at the Perfect Temperature
Explore our wine coolers →
Present Your Campania Wine Collection with Style
Find your perfect wine rack here →
Campania: The Heart of Southern Italy’s Winemaking Tradition
Campania is a region that combines ancient winemaking traditions with modern innovation, producing some of Italy’s most celebrated wines. The region is known for its volcanic soils, which contribute to the distinct minerality of its wines, and its ancient grape varieties that have been cultivated in the region for centuries. These factors combine to create wines that are both rich in history and modern in style, with a focus on balance, elegance, and complexity.
Campania’s warm, Mediterranean climate plays an essential role in shaping the wines. The region benefits from long, hot summers, which allow the Aglianico and Fiano grapes to reach full ripeness. The volcanic soil—formed by ancient eruptions of Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding area—imparts a unique flavor profile to the wines, adding a layer of earthiness and minerality. This terroir gives rise to wines that are rich, flavorful, and have the ability to age beautifully over time.
The Role of Terroir and Climate in Campania
The terroir of Campania is one of the main factors contributing to the region’s winemaking success. The volcanic soils are rich in minerals, which are absorbed by the vines, resulting in wines with a distinctive earthy character and mineral-driven freshness. The climate, with its long, sunny days and cool nights, helps preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, ensuring that the wines maintain their freshness even in warmer years.
In addition to volcanic soils, the altitude of some of Campania’s vineyards also plays an important role. Vineyards planted at higher elevations experience cooler temperatures, which help to retain the acidity and elegance of the grapes. This combination of volcanic soil, altitude, and climate allows Campania to produce wines that are complex and balanced, with a clear expression of their terroir.
Ancient Grape Varieties of Campania
Campania’s wines are defined by its ancient grape varieties, many of which have been cultivated in the region for thousands of years. The most famous grape varieties are Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco, each of which contributes unique characteristics to the wines.
🍇 Aglianico – Known as the “King of Southern Italy”, Aglianico is the grape responsible for the bold, tannic reds of Taurasi DOCG. This grape thrives in the warm, dry climate of Campania, producing wines that are full-bodied, intense, and capable of aging for decades. The wines have dark fruit flavors, with hints of earthiness, spice, and smoke, making them ideal for cellaring and food pairings with hearty dishes.
🍇 Fiano – Fiano is one of the most aromatic white grapes in Italy, producing wines that are fragrant, with floral aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, citrus, and herbs. Fiano di Avellino, made from the Fiano grape, is a DOCG wine known for its mineral-driven character and vibrant acidity. Fiano wines are refreshing, yet rich, making them perfect for pairing with seafood or cheese.
🍇 Greco – Greco is another indigenous grape variety that is widely planted in Campania, particularly in the Greco di Tufo DOCG. Known for its zesty acidity and mineral qualities, Greco produces wines that are fresh and vibrant, with notes of green apple, lemon, and almond. Like Fiano, Greco is also known for its aging potential, allowing it to evolve over time into more complex and layered expressions.
Winemaking Tradition in Campania
Winemaking in Campania has a long and storied history, with the region’s winemaking traditions dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. The region was once renowned for producing wines that were highly prized by the ancient world, and that legacy continues today. Modern winemakers in Campania combine traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce wines that reflect the region’s rich heritage while embracing modern innovations.
Key producers such as Mastroberardino and Feudi di San Gregorio have played a pivotal role in bringing Campania’s wines back into the international spotlight. These producers focus on preserving the indigenous grape varieties of the region and highlight the unique terroir of Campania. By utilizing both traditional and modern winemaking methods, these producers create wines that are elegant, balanced, and reflective of their ancient roots.
Campania is a region that celebrates both its ancient winemaking heritage and its modern-day innovation. With its volcanic soils, Mediterranean climate, and ancient grape varieties, Campania produces wines that are unique, complex, and capable of standing the test of time. Whether it’s the bold reds made from Aglianico or the aromatic whites from Fiano and Greco, the wines of Campania offer a rich and authentic expression of southern Italy’s winemaking traditions.