Campania, in Southern Italy, is a region with one of the oldest winemaking heritages in the world. Its wine tradition stretches back thousands of years, beginning even before the Romans, and is deeply rooted in the land and culture. Today, this region is gaining increasing recognition for producing high-quality wines from both red and white grape varieties, many of which are native and found nowhere else.
Campania’s geography plays a key role in its success as a wine-producing region. Over 50% of the land is hilly and 35% mountainous, providing ideal terrain for cultivating grapes. Only 15% of the region is flat, which means most vineyards benefit from good drainage, optimal sun exposure, and cooler temperatures at higher elevations. These conditions, combined with volcanic soils in certain areas, produce wines with depth, character, and longevity.
The region is home to more than 25,000 hectares (over 60,000 acres) of vineyards, with a predominance of red grape cultivation. Historically, Campania’s vineyards used traditional training systems such as the pergola and tree-trained "alberata" methods, especially in Caserta. In contrast, the bush vine (alberello) system is more common in mountainous areas like Avellino. In recent decades, however, there's been a gradual shift toward more modern systems like espalier and vertical trellising, allowing for mechanized farming and better disease control. This transition reflects a broader movement toward sustainable, quality-focused viticulture.
Campania currently produces about 1.7 million hectoliters of wine each year. Of that, 60% is red and rosé, while 40% is white. The region boasts 4 DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines, 15 DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), and 10 IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) designations, underscoring its enological diversity and excellence.
A Legacy Written in Vines
The history of Campanian wine begins with the ancient Greeks, who brought vitis vinifera—the common grapevine—to the region over 2,500 years ago. Several of today’s key grape varieties, such as Aglianico, Greco, and Fiano, have Greek origins. The name “Aglianico” likely derives from “Ellenico,” meaning “Hellenic.” These grapes were later celebrated by the Romans, who exported Campanian wines like Falernum, Calenum, and Faustinianum throughout the empire. The port cities of Pozzuoli and Sinuessa shipped enormous quantities of wine across the Mediterranean and as far as Gaul.
Pompeii was a thriving wine trade center before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, and archaeological evidence still reveals amphorae and vineyards preserved under ash. However, with the fall of Rome, viticulture in the region declined. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that winemaking saw some revival—Asprinio, for example, was noted as early as the 1300s for its potential in sparkling wine production. In the 1700s, merchants traveled to Aversa to source grapes for making bubbly.
The phylloxera crisis reached Campania later than other parts of Europe but caused significant damage. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Campania began its modern wine renaissance. Since then, local producers have focused on native varieties, sustainable practices, and terroir-driven wines, resulting in a dramatic rise in quality and international acclaim.
A Treasure Trove of Native Grapes
Campania is especially rich in indigenous grape varieties, many of which have been rescued from near extinction. Among white grapes, there’s Asprinio, Falanghina, Fiano, Greco, Biancolella, Coda di Volpe, Pallagrello Bianco, and Forastera. On the red side, Aglianico leads the charge, with support from Piedirosso (locally called Per’e Palummo or “dove’s foot”), Sciascinoso, Pallagrello Nero, and the rediscovered Casavecchia—a grape known for producing deeply colored, structured wines with high levels of anthocyanins.
The most iconic wines include:
- Taurasi DOCG: Known as the "Barolo of the South," this powerful red from Avellino is made from Aglianico and known for its aging potential, complexity, and elegance.
- Greco di Tufo DOCG: A crisp, mineral-driven white with citrus and floral notes, grown in volcanic soils.
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG: Aromatic and textured, Fiano offers honeyed and nutty notes that deepen with age.
- Falanghina del Sannio DOC: A fresh, vibrant white now seeing a renaissance for its versatility and food-friendliness.
A Region of Wine Diversity
Beyond these famous names, Campania has many smaller zones producing distinct wines. In Caserta, Asprinio di Aversa—an acidic, dry white wine—is made from grapes traditionally grown on tall poplar trees. In the area surrounding Mount Vesuvius, the Lacryma Christi wines (red, white, and rosé) are made from native grapes like Verdeca, Greco, and Falanghina, grown in mineral-rich volcanic soils.
On the island of Ischia, white grapes like Biancolella and Forastera thrive, producing lively wines with a maritime freshness. The Sorrento Peninsula is known for Sciascinoso (also called Olivella for its olive-shaped berries), which adds acidity and color to blends. Along the Amalfi Coast, small terraced vineyards in Ravello and Furore produce perfumed, citrusy whites from rare varieties such as Fenile, Ripolo, Pepella, and Ginestra.
A Modern Renaissance
Today, Campania is not only a region of tradition but of innovation. Many producers have embraced organic farming, low-intervention winemaking, and native yeast fermentations. There’s also a renewed focus on storytelling—connecting wine lovers with the history, geography, and people behind each bottle.
The province of Avellino remains the heart of quality wine production, home to Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino. Benevento is known for Sannio DOC wines, while Caserta hosts the prestigious Falerno del Massico DOC, once the wine of Roman emperors.
Campania’s wines are more than a product—they are a reflection of the land, shaped by volcanoes, mountains, sea breezes, and centuries of human devotion. As consumers seek authenticity and character, Campania continues to shine as one of Italy’s most intriguing and rewarding wine destinations.
