Campania, Italy wine region

If you’re looking for a unique and incomparable experience in Italy, look no further than the Campania wine region. Known for its diverse range of grape varieties and unique terroir, the Campania wine region offers a truly unparalleled wine-tasting experience. 

 

From its bright and zesty whites of Falanghina and Fiano, to its full-bodied and rich reds of Aglianico and Piedirosso, Campania wines are sure to impress those with even the most discerning palate. 

 

But it’s not just about the wine – the Campania region also boasts breathtaking natural beauty, historic towns and villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a new adventure, the Campania wine region is the perfect destination for your next trip. 

 

So why wait? Book your trip to Campania now and discover the unparalleled wines and experiences that this region has to offer.

Campania wine region highlights:
  • Home to bright and crisp white wine varieties.
  • Located in Southern Italy on the coast of the Tyrrhenian sea.
  • Close to Pompeii, a historic volcanic and archeological site.

Campania wine map

The Campania wine region is located in southern Italy, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region is known for its diverse range of grape varieties and unique terroir, which results in a wide variety of wine styles. The region is home to several DOCG wines and many DOC wines. Some of the most well-known wines of the Campania wine region include Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi.

 

The region has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient Greek and Roman settlements, including the city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The region is also home to many picturesque towns, including Sorrento and Amalfi, and is known for its beautiful beaches and coastline.

 

The wine-making traditions of Campania date back to ancient times and the region is known for its unique blend of old and new winemaking techniques. The region is particularly known for its white wines, which are made from grape varieties such as Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina. These wines are known for their bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas. The region is also known for its red wines, which are made from grape varieties such as Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Primitivo. These wines are known for their full-bodied, rich, and complex flavors.

 

Overall, the Campania wine region offers a unique and diverse wine-tasting experience, with a wide variety of wines to choose from, along with beautiful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and traditional winemaking techniques.

Cities to visit in Campania wine region

The Campania wine region is home to many popular cities that are known for their rich history, culture, and wine production. These cities are popular destinations for wine lovers and offer a chance to experience the rich history, culture, and wine production of the Campania wine region. Departing from them is great for a perfect wine tour and to learn more about the wines and the stories behind them. Some of the most popular cities to visit in the Campania wine region include:

  1. Avellino: Known for its production of Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo wines. The city is also home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Caracciolo.
  2. Benevento: Known for its production of Taurasi and Aglianico del Taburno wines. The city is also home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Arch of Trajan and the Sant’Ilario church.
  3. Napoli (The city of Naples): Known for its production of Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio wines. The city is also home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Castel dell’Ovo and the Royal Palace of Naples.
  4. Salerno: Known for its production of Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo wines. Salerno is also home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Salerno Cathedral and the Castello di Arechi.
  5. Sorrento: Known for its production of Limoncello. The city is also known for its beautiful views of the Bay of Naples and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as its vibrant nightlife.
  6. Paestum: Known for its production of Asprinio and Coda di Volpe wines. The city is also home to three ancient Greek temples, the Basilica, the Temple of Ceres, and the Temple of Athena.

Unique places to visit in the Campania wine region

The Campania wine region is home to many unique places that offer a chance to experience the rich history, culture, and wine production of the region. Some unique places to visit in the Campania wine region include:

 

Pompeii: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman city, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

 

Amalfi Coast: Known for its picturesque coastal towns, such as Positano and Ravello, and its beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. The region is also known for its production of Limoncello.

 

Royal Palace of Caserta: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest royal palaces in the world. The palace is known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and frescoes, as well as its connection to the Bourbon Kings of Naples.

 

Paestum: An ancient Greek city that is home to three well-preserved temples, the Basilica, the Temple of Ceres, and the Temple of Athena. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the city.

 

The National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano: A protected area that covers a large part of the region of Campania, it’s a great place to hike, visit small villages, and experience the natural beauty of the region.

 

Castel dell’Ovo: A 12th-century castle located in the Gulf of Naples. The castle is known for its beautiful views of the sea and its connection to the legend of the poet Virgil, who is said to have placed a magical egg in the foundation of the castle to protect the city of Naples.

 

These unique places offer a chance to experience the rich history, culture, and wine production of the Campania wine region, and give visitors a taste of the different aspects of the region.

Popular wines of Campania

The Campania wine region is known for its diverse range of wine styles and grape varieties, but some of the most popular and well-known wines from the region include:

 

Fiano di Avellino: A white wine made from the Fiano grape variety, known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas.

 

Greco di Tufo: A white wine made from the Greco grape variety, known for its rich and complex flavors and aromas.

 

Taurasi: A red wine made from the Aglianico grape variety, known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex flavors.

 

Aglianico del Taburno: A red wine made from the Aglianico grape variety, known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex flavors.

 

Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: A sparkling wine made from a blend of grape varieties including Piedirosso and Aglianico, known for its bright acidity and complex aromas.

 

Falanghina: a white wine made from the Falanghina grape variety, known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas.

 

Piedirosso: a red wine made from the Piedirosso grape variety, known for its bright acidity and complex aromas.

 

These wines are considered some of the most representative of the region and are widely recognized and appreciated by wine connoisseurs around the world.

About Campania Wines: Types & Characteristics

The Campania wine region produces a wide variety of wine styles, including red, white, and sparkling wines.

 

White wines:

 

  • Fiano di Avellino: a white wine made from the Fiano grape variety, known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas.
  • Greco di Tufo: a white wine made from the Greco grape variety, known for its rich and complex flavors and aromas.
  • Falanghina: a white wine made from the Falanghina grape variety, known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas.

 

Red wines:

 

  • Taurasi: a red wine made from the Aglianico grape variety, known for its full-bodied, rich and complex flavors.
  • Aglianico del Taburno: a red wine made from the Aglianico grape variety, known for its full-bodied, rich and complex flavors.
  • Piedirosso: a red wine made from the Piedirosso grape variety, known for its bright acidity and complex aromas.

 

Sparkling wines:

 

  • Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio: a sparkling wine made from a blend of grape varieties including Piedirosso and Aglianico, known for its bright acidity and complex aromas.

 

Overall, Campania wines are known for their unique blending of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, resulting in diverse and unique wine styles.

Appellations of the Campania wine region

Certainly! Campania is a region in southern Italy’s wine-producing area that is home to several wine appellations. Here is a complete list of the appellations in the Campania wine region:

  1. Aglianico del Taburno DOCG – This appellation is located in the province of Benevento and produces red wines from Aglianico grapes.
  2. Aversa DOC – Located near Naples, this appellation produces mainly white wines from local grape varieties such as Asprinio and Falanghina.
  3. Campi Flegrei DOC – This appellation covers an area around the city of Naples and produces both red and white wines from a range of grape varieties including Piedirosso, Aglianico, and Falanghina.
  4. Cilento DOC – Situated south of Naples along the coast, this appellation produces mainly red wines from local grape varieties such as Aglianico and Piedirosso.
  5. Costa d’Amalfi DOC – This appellation covers an area along the Amalfi Coast and produces mainly white wines from grape varieties such as Falanghina, Biancolella, and Pepella.
  6. Falerno del Massico DOC – Located north of Naples near Mount Massico, this appellation produces both red and white wines from local grape varieties such as Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Aglianico.
  7. Fiano di Avellino DOCG – This appellation is located near Avellino and produces high-quality white wines made from Fiano grapes.
  8. Greco di Tufo DOCG – Also located near Avellino, this appellation produces complex white wines made from Greco di Tufo grapes.
  9. Irpinia DOC – Covering much of the province of Avellino, this large appellation produces both red and white wines from a range of grape varieties including Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco di Tufo.
  10. Penisola Sorrentina DOC – Situated on the Sorrentine Peninsula south of Naples, this small appellation produces mainly white wines from local grape varieties such as Biancolella and Falanghina.

These are just a few examples of the many appellations in Campania that showcase the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking traditions!

Campania Wine Taste Notes & Flavors

When tasting wines from the Campania wine region, you can expect to experience a wide range of flavors, aromas, and styles. The wines from this region are known for their unique character and complexity, which is a result of the region’s diverse terroir and the use of a variety of grape varieties.

 

White wines from Campania, such as Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, are known for their bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas of citrus, stone fruits, and floral notes. Red wines, such as Taurasi and Aglianico del Taburno, are typically full-bodied with rich and complex flavors of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of tannins.

 

Fortified wines such as Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso and Marsala Wine are typically rich, complex, and sweet. They are known for their flavors of dried fruits, spices, and nuttiness.

 

When visiting the Campania wine region, it’s also a good idea to try the local cuisine, as the wines of the region are often paired with the traditional dishes of the area. The region’s wines are known to be versatile and can pair well with seafood, meats, and cheeses.

 

A tasting of wines from the Campania wine region is a great opportunity to experience the rich history, culture, and terroir of this unique wine-producing region. You can expect to taste wines that are unique, complex, and full of character.

Grape Varieties of Campania wines

The Campania wine region is known for its use of a variety of grape varieties, each lending its own unique character and style to the wines produced in the region. 

 

Some of the most notable grape varieties used in the Campania wine region include:

 

Fiano: A white grape variety that is known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas of citrus and floral notes. Wines made from Fiano are typically dry and full-bodied.

 

Greco: A white grape variety that is known for its rich and complex flavors and aromas. Wines made from Greco are typically dry and full-bodied.

 

Aglianico: A red grape variety that is known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex flavors. Wines made from Aglianico are typically full-bodied and have high tannin.

 

Piedirosso: A red grape variety that is known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas. Wines made from Piedirosso are typically dry and medium-bodied.

 

Asprinio: A white grape variety that is known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas. Wines made from Asprinio are typically dry and medium-bodied.

 

Coda di Volpe: A white grape variety that is known for its bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas. Wines made from Coda di Volpe are typically dry and medium-bodied.

 

Sciascinoso: A red grape variety that is known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex flavors. Wines made from Sciascinoso are typically full-bodied and have high tannin.

 

Campania wine region wines are known for their unique character and complexity, which is a result of the region’s diverse terroir and the use of a variety of grape varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campania wine region

  • What is the signature wine of the Campania wine region?

    The signature wine of the Campania wine region is Taurasi, which is made from the Aglianico grape. Taurasi wines are known for their intense flavor, rich tannins, and high alcohol content, and are considered to be some of the best red wines in Italy.
  • What is the best time of year to visit the Campania wine region?

    The best time to visit the Campania wine region depends on what you want to see and do. For wine tasting, the best time to visit is during the wine harvest season, which typically takes place between September and October. For sightseeing and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
  • Are there any wine tours available in the Campania wine region?

    Yes, there are many wine tours available in the Campania wine region, many of which are available through Winalist’s free search and booking platform. With us, can choose from guided tours of the vineyards and wineries, guided tastings, and transportation-only options in the Campania that allow you to create your own itinerary.
  • Can I visit the vineyards and wineries in the Campania wine region on my own?

    Yes, you can visit vineyards and wineries in the Campania wine region on your own. However, it is important to note that some wineries may require an appointment or may not be open to the public. It is always best to check the wineries websites or contact them directly before planning your visit.
  • Are there any food and wine pairing experiences available in the Campania wine region?

    Yes, there are many food and wine pairing experiences available in the Campania wine region. Many wineries and restaurants in the region offer wine tastings paired with traditional Campanian dishes. Some popular pairings include Taurasi with meat dishes and Fiano di Avellino with seafood.
  • What is the history of winemaking in the Campania wine region?

    The history of winemaking in the Campania wine region dates back to ancient Roman times. The ancient Romans planted vineyards in the region and developed winemaking techniques that are still used today. During the Middle Ages, the region's wines were highly prized and exported throughout Europe. The region saw a decline in winemaking in the 20th century, but has since seen a resurgence in recent years with an emphasis on quality and sustainability.
  • Are there any wine festivals or events in the Campania wine region?

    Yes, there are many wine festivals and events in the Campania wine region throughout the year. Some popular festivals include the Festa dell'Uva in Sorrento, the Taurasi Wine Festival, and the Fiano di Avellino Wine Festival. These events offer a chance to taste and learn about the wines of the region, as well as to experience the local culture and traditions.
  • Are there any accommodation options available in the Campania wine region?

    Yes, there are many accommodation options available in the Campania wine region. From charming bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, the region has something to offer for every budget. Some popular options include staying in a winery or vineyard, or in a small town or village in the countryside.

Other top wineries to visit in the Campania wine region