Campania is a land of greatness and the wines of Campania live up to the region's reputation. Some argue that its whites are among the best in Italy, holding their own against those of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the northeast.
Fiano di Avellino stands front and center. The wine defies time and is excellent when paired not only with the seafood dishes that bedeck tables along the coast, but it's also great with white meats. Greco di Tufo and Falanghina are both expressive, and perhaps simpler, but very Mediterranean.
Asprinio di Aversa makes solid sparkling wines – try one alongside mozzarella in carrozza. The varietal is cultivated according to the ancient tree-lined system, with plants reaching 20 meters (65 feet) in height, so the harvest must be done with very high ladders. The grape comes from the Caserta area, a region that's home to other interesting indigenous vines, like Pallagrello, for which there are both red and white varieties, and the red Casavecchia.
Among the reds, the finest come from Aglianico, a red that's nicknamed Barolo del Sud, or the Barolo of the south. It's protected by the Taurasi DOCG in Irpinia and del Taburno DOCG in Benevento.
Piedirosso is more graceful and fresh. Having been harvested in the volcanic area of Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius, it produces great table wines. Here are five wines of Campania worth knowing (and tatsting).
1. Agnanum Campi Flegrei Piedirosso Vigna delle Volpi 2017
The volcano gives this red curious notes of ash that meld with the scents of undergrowth, flowers, fruit, and pepper. Juicy and savory, the wine is excellent with rice sartù. website
2. Rocca del Principe Fiano di Avellino Tognano 2017
Intense and full of energy with citrus and sage aromas, it is among the best in the appellation. Uncork a bottle alongside some seafood linguine. website
3. Luigi Tecce Taurasi Poliphemo Reserve 2015
Floral, spicy, and meaty, this wine is a legend. Made from grapes harvested in an old Aglianico vineyard, the wine has a unique personality, like its producer. Have it alongside a grilled steak. tel. 0827.71375
4. Cantine Di Marzo Greco di Tufo 2019
With aromas of yellow fruit and Mediterranean herbs, this wine tastes fresh and savory. It's excellent as an aperitvo or alongside seafood appetizers. website
5. Terra di Brigandi Falanghina del Sannio 2019
This structured, savory biodynamic white has prominent citrus and tropical fruit notes. Have it with lemon chicken. website