Ancient and precious vines

Campania Region is characterised by the presence of historical and varietal vineyards besides a wide range of environments destined to the vine cultivation, each one with specific peculiarities.

Among them it is possible to distinguish a costal nucleus, a volcanic nucleus and one tied to the inner lands. Inside these lands, as in the case of Irpinia, defined by frigid and rainy winters and clayey soil, formerly subjected to the volcanic activity, “Campania’s vine” governed tasteful wines.

Among the well-known vines, Greco (the ancient Aminea Gemina, Greco di Tufo predecessor), Fiano (identified with the ancient Apiane grapes, Fiano di Avellino predecessor), both DOCG, and Falanghina DOC stand out. Nonetheless, Aglianico can be identified as the real dominus of Campania’s vine, a very old vine varietal which gave the birth to excellent quality wines, as in the case of Taurasi DOCG.

The vine committed to Taurasi

Greco di Tufo

Greco was introduced in Campania, expressly in Vesuvio area, probably by the Pelasgi, population originating in Tessaglia. Only between the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX century it began to be cultivated in the inner lands, finding its perfect location in the surrounding territory of Valle del Sabato. This small and quite homogeneous area is marked by volcanic terrains, strongly clayey and calcareous, rich in minerals, particularly for what concerns the sulfur, extracted and wrought at Di Marzo’s mine since the beginning of the ‘80s. It can be said that Tufo was essentially one of the most important mining center of southern Italy, and its sulfur, feeding its economy, continues to be perceived as part of the aromatic and gustative profile of unique wines, the new wealth of Valle del Sabato.

Among the Irpinia denominations, in relation to the territory extension but not to the cultivated surface, Greco di Tufo area turns out to be the smallest one. Only eight municipalities can host Greco DOCG vineyards and these are Altavilla, Prata Principato Ultra, Santa Paolina, Montefusco, Torrioni, Chianche, Petruro and of course Tufo.

DOC classification was recognized in 1970, DOCG in 2003.

Fiano

Fiano is an ancient Campania’s vine, called by the Latin Vitis Apiana because of the sweetness of its grapes, able to attract the bees. Its ampelographic matrix leads back to the Hellenic varieties of Magna Grecia period. This wine was appreciated by Roman Consuls end Emperors and it continues to enjoy the fame of being one of the best Italian white wines, thanks to its structure and its extraordinary finesse.

The area of Avellino’s Fiano is the broadest among the Irpinia denominations. It consists of 25 municipalities located between Valle del Calore, Valle del Sabato, Partenio mountain slope and the hills looking at Vallo di Lauro. More specifically, the production area includes Avellino, Lapio, Atripalda, Cesinali, Aiello del Sabato, Santo Stefano del Sole, Sorbo Serpico, Salza Irpina, Parolise, San Potito Ultra, Candida, Manocalzati, Pratola Serra, Montefredane, Grottolella, Capriglia Irpina, Sant’Angelo a Scala, Summonte, Mercogliano, Forino, Contrada, Monteforte Irpino, Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo, Montefalcione, Santa Lucia di Serino and San Michele di Serino. This heterogenous area highlights a substantial variation with regard to vineyards elevation, microclimates, rearing systems, expositions, plants dimensions and harvesting choices.

DOC classification was recognized in 1978, DOCG in 2003.

Aglianico

The most widespread black berry vine in Campania is Aglianico, whose name seems to derive from the city of Elea or as a decomposition of the term “Hellenic”. The origin of this wine and the same name date back to the Magna Grecia settlements in southern Italy, around the VII-VI century B.C. It is easily adaptable to different lands, although it manifests its best growth on volcanic hilly soils, clayey and calcareous. Production is mainly concentrated in southern Italy, exactly in Basilicata, Puglia, Campania and Molise regions.

Aglianico is a late aging vine whose best prerogatives are its powerfulness and tannicity. Its expressions can be diverging on the basis of the soil and climate environment.

Inside Avellino province, Aglianico is the vine from which Taurasi DOCG comes alive. Perceived as an enological masterpiece of southern Italy, it is one of the leading Campania red wines.

Thanks to Taurasi (recognized as DOCG in 1993 with DM 11.03.1993 G.U. 72 – 27.03.1993), Aglianico has been known and appreciated both in Italy and all over the world. Its cultivation is predominant also in Monte Vulture countryside, being the only DOCG wine produced in Potenza province and known as Aglianico del Volture Superiore. Other two Aglianico varieties are produced in Benevento province, Aglianico del Taburno and Aglianico del Sannio DOC.

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