The Great Landscape of Campania

Campania is one of the most fascinating regions in Italy for the enchanting landscapes it offers. The cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, the Mediterranean bush, the volcanic terrain of the Vesuvius, the crystal clear sea, the golden grains of the beaches, the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and the beautiful terraces of the islands all contribute to making this region a land to be experienced and discovered. Art, history and tradition mix together in a journey that starts at the Tyrrhenian Sea and proceeds along the Mediterranean coastline. It continues through the colours of the land, among the glimpses of paradise and the beaches secretly hidden by the rocky inlets of the gulfs, before arriving in Naples, the ancient Neapolitan city hidden by the Vesuvius, where flavours, values and stories mix with sacred, popular, nostalgic and cultural aspects. Finally, the journey ends offshore in the big blue sea, amidst the marvellous islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, or heads inland to the final Apennines that protect the region. A sense of freedom, spontaneity and conviviality can be perceived in this ancient land, which in the past had already attracted the glorious populations of the Greeks and then the famed Romans. It was here that the culture of the vine was born; in fact, Campanian wine was in great demand among the ancient Latin writers who praised the famous and costly "Falerno", ancestor of modern expressions. Then come the grapes: the great Fiano, the renowned Aglianico, the beautiful Falanghina and the noble Greco, complemented by a unique ampelographic variety that very few regions can offer, such as the Piedirosso, Palagrello Bianco, Coda di Volpe, Ginestra, Casavecchia and Biancolella. In Campania one can enjoy white wines, which are particularly renowned in this region, but also red, sparkling, passito and dessert wines: a wide range of products to satisfy all tastes!

The Morphology of the Region and the Areas of Campanian Wines

This region of southern Italy offers a unique and very diverse panorama in terms of the richness of its soils, microclimates and vines. The Apennine mountainous area occupies 35% of the entire territory and is formed by the peaks of Sannio, Cilento and Irpinia. The plain, which accounts for only 15%, connects the mountain ranges to the Tyrrhenian coasts, which are almost always high and steep, flattening out only near the gulfs of Naples, Salerno and north of Castel Volturno. Lastly, there are the three small islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, which are natural masterpieces as well as popular seaside and tourist destinations. Geologically, Campania is the land of volcanoes as it is home to Europe's most famous volcanic complex. Lava, ash fumes and magmatic flows have defined and shaped the contours of the landscape over the centuries. Volcanic activity is still a risk factor today as it is still present (although dormant) near Naples, with the great Somma-Vesuvius and the Phlegrean Fields eruptive centre, and on the island of Ischia. The climate has also divided the region into different areas. Irpinia, the most important, noble and prestigious of these, is the easternmost area of the region, and extends inland towards the province of Avellino. It is influenced by significant temperature variations and a cool climate, creating a typically mountainous landscape. This is where the region's greatest excellences, renowned and widely appreciated Italian wines, are born: Greco, Fiano and Aglianico give birth to the noble DOCGs Taurasi, Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino. These are expressions of remarkable potency, class and personality, with a northerly character and great ageing potential.

Varieties and Production Areas

The Taurasi wine, first and foremost, is considered the "Barolo of the South" for its austerity and longevity, and is also the most famous and prestigious red wine of Campania. It has become a piece of history and Italian pride, thanks to great names such as Mastroberardino, the Caggiano winery, which is a reference point for great regional wine expressions, and Feudi di San Gregorio, who initiated its success. In second place is the Fiano di Avellino, one of the most noble and sought-after white wines in Italy, capable of developing a truly broad and complex bouquet of aromas. This is followed by the Greco di Tufo, with its fresh, sulphurous, rocky and truly unique taste and aroma. The Beneventano area, in the more inland and hilly part, features enological expressions that are more solid and intense. In terms of production, it is the largest representative of the region with several denominations, the most important of which are the Taburno and Sannio DOCs. The other areas overlook the sea and therefore offer more marine, sunny and Mediterranean expressions. Among these are the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts, which are among the most fascinating in the whole landscape, the Casertano area on the border with Lazio, the vast southern area of Cilento and the attractive islands of Ischia and Capri with their native grape varieties such as Biancolella, Forastera and Piedirosso.

Buy Campanian wines online now on the Callmewine store and take advantage of the special offers. Browse the complete online catalogue, allow yourself to be guided by the detailed descriptions carefully prepared by our staff and choose the bottles that best suit your tastes.