Situated in the south-west of Italy, bordering the Mediterranean coast, the Campania region was already famous among the Romans for its wines in the 12th century BC. Campania is one of the southern wine regions of Italy, separated from Abruzzo by the Apennine mountain range. Campania was considered by the Romans to be the most prestigious wine region, since it was the birthplace of Falerno, the most sought-after wine of the Roman Empire, produced on the slopes of Mount Massico. The region’s long-forgotten past glory is beginning to surface again thanks to the creation of new DOC and DOCG appellations starting in the 1970's. Since then, the region has experienced a revival and a dramatic evolution in the quality of its wines.
Campania enjoys a maritime and Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. These mild temperatures and constant sunshine favour excellent vine development and a healthy vegetative cycle. Throughout the ripening process, the berries are loaded with sugar, reaching perfect maturity in time for harvest.
West of the Apennines and east of the Amalfi Coast, the Campania region is best known for the famous city of Naples and its coast, with beaches stretching forth as far as the eye can see. But the Campanian hinterland boasts an extraordinary heritage of ancient flora and native grape varieties. These ancient indigenous varieties include Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, Biancolella and Forastera. Vesuvius towers over the Campanian landscape. The volcanic rocks create an exceptional terroir and offer a veritable mosaic of soils, notably clay and limestone.
Today, Campania is home to several great appellations, such as the four DOCG territories of Aglianico del Taburno, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo and Taurasi. These wines are considered to be among the best in Italy. The fifteen DOC appellations have come about as a result of the efforts of forward-thinking new winemakers, who are now leading the renaissance of this region, so famous in Roman times.
Campania produces fruity and delicious wines to be enjoyed in their youth. More structured and full-bodied, the red wines aged in barrels tend to show good ageing potential. Campanian white wines seduce with their aromatic character and floral notes.
