Campania

Campania is a southern Italian region centred on Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the hilly inland provinces of Avellino, Benevento and Caserta. The Tyrrhenian Sea moderates parts of the coast, while altitude, slopes and cool nights preserve freshness inland. The climate is broadly Mediterranean, yet regional contrasts are substantial: volcanic coastal zones are warmer, whereas Irpinia, in Avellino, is markedly cooler and more continental.

Volcanic soils of ash, pumice and tuff are a defining feature around Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei and Ischia. Further inland, limestone, clay, sandstone and marl occur. Many vines grow on their own roots, especially on sandy volcanic soils where phylloxera has struggled to thrive. This combination of soils, relief and local varieties gives the region its distinctive wine identity.

Aglianico is Campania’s leading red grape and reaches a particularly structured expression in Taurasi DOCG, in Irpinia. These wines are deeply coloured, tannic and fresh, with cherry, plum, violet, smoke, tobacco and sometimes iron-like notes; they can often age for a long time. Fiano and Greco make the white DOCGs Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo: Fiano is often textured, spicy and hazelnut-like, while Greco is generally tauter, more mineral and citrus-led. Falanghina produces approachable, vivid whites, and Piedirosso gives juicy, savoury reds.

Alongside the three Irpinia DOCGs, Aglianico del Taburno DOCG in Benevento is important. Other notable origins include Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei, Costa d’Amalfi, Sannio and Falerno del Massico. Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio may be white, red, rosé or sparkling. Campanian wines often balance Mediterranean ripeness with unexpected energy: most whites are appealing young, though fine Fiano and Greco can evolve, while serious Aglianico rewards patience.