Campania wines, the ideal hunting ground for Italian White Wines
In the Italian wine scene, white wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily tend to get most of the love—though what if we told you that some of the country’s best whites are found in the southerly, sun-drenched coastal region of Campania? Derived from the phrase Campnia felix, which means happy land, Campania wines live up to their name in that they exude freshness, fruit-forwardness, and pure joy with every glass – Making them ideal companions to summer days, may those be by the sea or at the comfort of your home.
In the Italian wine scene, white wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily tend to get most of the love—though what if we told you that some of the country’s best whites are found in the southerly, sun-drenched coastal region of Campania? Derived from the phrase Campnia felix, which means happy land, Campania wines live up to their name in that they exude freshness, fruit-forwardness, and pure joy with every glass – Making them ideal companions to summer days, may those be by the sea or at the comfort of your home.
Produced from the signature varieties of Fiano and Greco di Tufo, these refreshing-yet-serious wines offer an instant mental escape to the sun-soaked shorelines of the Italian Riviera when consumed in their youth—and best of all, are simultaneously capable of withstanding long bouts of ageing in the cellar. In short? If you’re not sure where to begin, pouring a glass of Fiano di Avellino or Greco di Tufo is a great place to start.
About Fiano di Avellino
Deemed the signature white wine of Campania, Fiano di Avellino is a native Italian variety that produces wines across a wide gamut of styles. Expressions range from fruit-forward and youthful to serious, textured, and complex, rendering the wines perfect for drinking in their youth or aging in the cellar—when produced at the hands of top producers, of course. Although the grape is grown across Campania, Fiano thrives in the appellation of Avellino (looking for inspiration for a short break here is a strong argument – Lonely Planet), which is located very close to the Apennine Mountains. Here, vineyards benefit from volcanic soils rich in minerals, as well as large diurnal temperature swings, which allow grapes to reach phenolic ripeness without sacrificing acidity.
In their youth, Fiano di Avellino wines exude signature flavours of yellow plum, stone fruit, orange rind, acacia blossom, and grilled almond. The wines’ distinct volcanic minerality and vibrant acidity render them perfect for sipping at outdoor picnics and barbecues. They pair perfectly with a range of salads, seafood, and chilled summer appetisers. Best of all, serious expressions from top producers will age gracefully for up to a decade or more in the cellar.
Look no further than the examples of Joaquin with his Historical vineyards in the heartland of the region
About Greco di Tufo
Similar to Fiano, Greco di Tufo is responsible for producing some of Italy’s most serious white wines. The variety is believed to have been introduced to the region by the ancient Greeks, though today, the grape has found a reliable home in the ashy, limestone tufa (tuff explained splendidly here on FineWine) soils of the region. Much of Campania’s Greco di Tufo is planted at altitudes of around 450 to 500 meters above sea level, which ensures that the grapes receive enough daytime sun, yet maintain their acidity during cooler evenings.
Greco di Tufo wines are known for their distinct minerality, thanks to the area’s signature tuff soils, as well as their pronounced aromatics. Crisp and bright, the wines depict flavors of Meyer lemon, pear skin, grilled nuts, and ash, making them no-brainers for enjoying at summer barbecues. From grilled veggies and flavor-packed pasta salads to fried fish sandwiches, sea bass, and caprese salads, the vibrant acidity and mineral-driven undertones bring out the best that seasonal summer fare has to offer.
With a long maturation in oak barrel up to 9 years – Greco di Tufo produces outstandingly complex and savoury wine – we are enticed by the work of Di Meo and his Vittorio in Tufo
About Campania
Nestled along the enchanting southern coast of Italy, Campania offers a captivating blend of ancient history, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and a diverse tapestry of wines that pulse with vitality and character. These wines delight the senses in their youth and possess the potential for graceful evolution with age.
Campania is a living testament to Italy’s enduring winemaking legacy, tracing its viticultural origins back to the 12th century. Today, the region is celebrated for its mastery in producing invigorating, volcanic-influenced wines from a carefully curated selection of indigenous grape varieties, including the celebrated Fiano, the exquisite Greco di Tufo, and the bold Aglianico.
Across approximately 47,000 hectares of sun-kissed vineyards, a harmonious interplay of tradition and innovation thrives, thriving within the protective embrace of 15 DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and 10 regional IGPs (Indicazione Geografica Protetta), each playing a vital role in defining Campania’s rich and diverse winemaking landscape.
Top Campania Wine Producers
When seeking out new wines to try, looking to reputable, quality-focused producers is key. For world-class expressions of Fiano di Avellino that rival some of the best European whites on the market, check out the wines of I Favati, Azienda Agricola Di Meo, and Joaquin Wines. For a deeper dive into the world of Greco di Tufo, the wines of Cantina Bambinuto promise to leave a lasting impression.
Campania wines are ever-evolving and are coming of age. Be sure to check out our selection:
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