What are the most famous wines from Campania?

The wine-growing tradition in Campania has very ancient origins: this region boasts a large number of indigenous grape varieties, many of which arrived in Italy thanks to the ancient Greeks. In Roman times, in fact, Campania wines were already renowned and exported outside the peninsula. But which are the best Campania wines not to be missed?

The wine-growing landscape of Campania: terroir and production areas

The region of Campania conquers and surprises all visitors: not only idyllic landscapes and the best pizzas in the world, but also numerous gastronomic specialities and excellent wines, which are among the best labels in Southern Italy. What makes Campania's wines so famous and appreciated? Obviously the terroir: the combination of soil and climate characteristics combined with the oenological techniques adopted by man and refined thanks to the region's long tradition of winemaking. The characteristics of Campania's soils are varied but have in common the presence of volcanic dust, which gives the wines unique characteristics, thanks also to their proximity to the Mediterranean sea and mild climate.

The region's wine production is mainly focused on red and rosé wines, with 60 per cent of the land dedicated to the cultivation of red grapes, while the remaining 40 per cent is reserved for the production of the region's excellent and renowned white wines, which boasts 4 DOCG, 15 DOC and 10 IGT.

As far as the production areas of Campania's wines are concerned, most grape varieties are concentrated in the area surrounding Avellino and Irpinia and in the province of Benevento; but that is not all: excellent wines are also produced in Aversa, in the province of Caserta. 

The Aglianico grape variety and the great red wines of Campania

Aglianico is a leading grape variety in Campania, whose presence is included in several production specifications of famous wines, such as Taurasi DOCG, an elegant and complex red wine known as the 'Barolo of the South'. This grape variety finds its ideal zone of choice on hilly and volcanic soils, which is why it reaches its best expressions in Campania and Basilicata. Other renowned wines produced from Aglianico grapes in Campania are Taburno DOCG, Aglianico DOC, Cilento DOC and many others. Aglianico produces tannic and full-bodied wines, suitable for ageing in wood and characterised by fruity and spicy aromas. 

Lacryma Christi, shrouded in legends

In the province of Naples, excellent white, rosé and red wines are produced that fall under the Lacryma Christi Vesuvio DOC appellation: these are volcanic wines made from different grape varieties such as Coda di Volpe, Falanghina, Caprettone, Greco, Verdeca, Piedirosso, Palombina and Aglianico. These wines are shrouded in myths and legends, and its name is closely linked to the Christian religion. The white Lacryma Christi wines are characterised by their dry and structured, slightly acidic flavour with notes of ripe fruit and Vesuvian broom. The red Lacryma Christi, such as the 'Munazei' Rosso Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC 2021, on the other hand, is characterised by its dry, harmonious and full-bodied flavour and its spicy and fruity aromas. 

Fiano, Greco and Falanghina: Campania's white wines appreciated worldwide

Among the best white wines from Campania that you absolutely must try are Fiano, Greco and Falanghina. The Fiano grape variety, which gives rise to the wine of the same name, has been cultivated in the region since time immemorial. The resulting wines are elegant and endowed with great expressive finesse, as can be seen when tasting, for example, the 'Pietracalda' Fiano di Avellino DOCG, with its distinct freshness and minerality. Another excellent Campania white wine that has achieved the highest Italian wine classification is Greco di Tufo DOCG, a dry, fresh and harmonious wine with aromatic citrus notes. Finally, the Falanghina grape variety has found its best areas of vocation in Sannio Beneventano, the Campi Flegrei and the province of Caserta, where it originates intense and aromatic wines, among the few long-lived white wines.

Now that you are familiar with Campania's most famous wines, choose your favourite labels on Svinando and pair them with typical Campanian food or the specialities indicated in each wine's sheet, for an unprecedented food and wine experience!