Campania Wine

Campania is easier to understand by sub-region because the wines change sharply between volcanic slopes, inland highlands, coastal terraces, and islands. Irpinia is the main area for Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino, and Greco di Tufo. Benevento is important for Aglianico and Falanghina. Caserta includes historic Falerno del Massico and Asprinio di Aversa. Naples and the islands add volcanic and maritime styles, while the Amalfi Coast and Cilento bring steep coastal vineyards into the picture.

The inland highlands of Irpinia form the heart of Campania’s quality wine production. The cool climate and mineral-rich soils support elegant, structured wines with remarkable aging potential.

• Taurasi DOCG – Known as the “Barolo of the South,” made from Aglianico grapes. Structured, tannic reds with depth and longevity.
• Fiano di Avellino DOCG – Aromatic white wines with floral, honeyed, and nutty notes that develop complexity with age.
• Greco di Tufo DOCG – Crisp, mineral whites with high acidity and citrus character.
• Irpinia DOC – A broad appellation covering both red and white styles from native grapes like Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco.

For official information on Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Irpinia DOC, see the Consorzio Tutela dei Vini d’Irpinia.

Located northeast of Naples, Beneventano is known for approachable yet structured wines, with Aglianico as the dominant red variety.

• Aglianico del Taburno DOCG – Bold reds and rosés with dark fruit, spice, and firm structure.
• Sannio DOC – A versatile appellation showcasing Aglianico and Falanghina in a wide range of styles, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds.

Casertano covers wine areas north of Naples and includes several historic appellations. Volcanic soils, old training systems, and native grapes give this area a different profile from inland Irpinia.

• Falerno del Massico DOC – red, white, and Primitivo-based wines tied to one of Campania’s historic wine names
• Asprinio di Aversa DOC – still and sparkling wines from the high-acid Asprinio grape
• Galluccio DOC – red, white, and rosé wines from vineyards near volcanic hills
• Casavecchia di Pontelatone DOC – structured reds made from the Casavecchia grape

Around Naples and the nearby islands, vineyards cling to volcanic slopes and coastal hillsides. The wines here reflect maritime freshness and distinctive minerality.

• Vesuvio DOC (Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio) – Reds, whites, and rosés grown on Mount Vesuvius’s slopes, deeply mineral and aromatic.
• Campi Flegrei DOC – Coastal vineyards producing light, saline wines from Piedirosso and Falanghina.
• Ischia DOC – Island-grown whites with volcanic minerality and freshness.
• Capri DOC – Limited-production whites and rosés, bright and aromatic.

You can find detailed information on Vesuvio DOP and Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio on the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vesuvio DOP website.

The coastal vineyards of the Amalfi Coast and Cilento combine Mediterranean sun, rocky terrain, and native grape varieties rarely found elsewhere.

• Costa d’Amalfi DOC – Terraced vineyards overlooking the sea, producing mineral-rich whites and delicate rosés.
• Cilento DOC – Southern coastal wines from Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco grapes.
• Tramonti DOC – Mountainous microclimate yielding concentrated whites and reds from rare varieties such as Fenile, Ginestra, Ripolo, and Pepella.

Campania is defined by its native grape varieties, many of which date back to ancient Greek and Roman times. These grapes thrive in volcanic and limestone soils, producing wines with distinctive character and strong ties to the region’s history.

White Grapes

Grown in Greco di Tufo DOCG. Known for high acidity, citrus flavors, and minerality, producing structured whites with freshness and depth.

Widely planted across Campania, especially in Falerno del Massico and Sannio. Produces crisp, floral wines with citrus and stone fruit, often enjoyed young.

Native to the island of Ischia. Produce light, mineral-driven whites, often blended together.

Black (Red) Grapes

A softer red grape, often blended with Aglianico or used in Lacryma Christi wines. Known for floral notes, red fruit, and lighter tannins.

Grown in Falerno del Massico DOC. Produces ripe, full-bodied reds with rich fruit and higher alcohol.

Campania’s wines reflect the region’s volcanic soils, Mediterranean climate, and ancient traditions. The region is equally renowned for its structured reds and distinctive whites, many of which are tied to specific DOCG appellations.

Red Wines

Known as the “Barolo of the South,” these Aglianico-based wines are structured, tannic, and long-lived, with dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes.

Bold and structured reds and rosés, showcasing Aglianico’s depth with slightly more approachable styles than Taurasi.

Rich, expressive reds made from Aglianico and Primitivo, echoing the legacy of ancient Roman wines.

Lighter reds and blends, often with Piedirosso, showing fresh red fruit and volcanic minerality.

White Wines

Aromatic, textured whites with notes of honey, hazelnut, and tropical fruit, capable of aging gracefully.

High-acid, mineral-driven whites with citrus and stone fruit, often structured and long-lasting.

Crisp, floral whites with citrus and apple notes, often enjoyed young and refreshing.

Light, mineral whites grown on volcanic island soils, reflecting maritime freshness.

Local Specialties

Whites made from Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, and Verdeca, showing volcanic minerality with citrus freshness.

Whites and rosés grown on terraced vineyards overlooking the sea, often light, aromatic, and perfect with seafood.

Coastal reds and whites made from Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco, reflecting the southern Mediterranean climate.