Wine-growing in the southern region of Campania has a history stretching back more than two millennia, earning it a reputation as one of Italy’s oldest and most distinctive wine-producing areas. Benefitting from a Mediterranean climate, varied elevations and volcanic soils, Campania produces wines with notable freshness, minerality and complexity. Wine production ranges from powerful, age-worthy reds in inland hills to aromatic whites along the coast, reflecting the region’s diverse terroirs. Hikers on our Southern Italy tour start and finish in Naples and therefore have the chance to taste some of this region’s finest wines.
Key White Grapes from Campania
Fiano – One of southern Italy’s most highly regarded white varieties. It produces wines with floral, honeyed and tropical fruit aromas, often capable of developing complexity with bottle age.
Greco – An ancient variety believed to have Greek origins. It yields structured wines with citrus, stone fruit and mineral characteristics.
Falanghina – Widely planted throughout Campania, producing fresh, aromatic wines with notes of apple, citrus and sometimes a distinct mineral edge.
Coda di Volpe – A traditional local variety known for soft acidity and delicate flavours of pear, citrus and herbs. It is often blended but can also produce varietal wines.
Biancolella – Commonly grown on the islands of the Gulf of Naples, especially Ischia, where it produces light, fresh wines with floral and citrus notes.
Forastera – Another important island grape, particularly on Ischia, contributing freshness and subtle fruit character to local wines.
Key Red Grapes from Campania
Aglianico – Campania’s flagship red grape and one of Italy’s finest wine varieties. It produces deeply coloured, full-bodied wines with high tannins, firm acidity and flavours of dark berries, plum, spice, and tobacco. It is the principal grape of Taurasi, often called the “Barolo of the South.”
Piedirosso – An ancient local variety known for lighter body, soft tannins, and aromas of red cherry, violet and Mediterranean herbs. It is widely grown around the coastal and volcanic areas near Naples.
Sciascinoso (also known as Olivella) – Traditionally used in blends to add freshness, fruitiness, and colour. It produces light to medium-bodied wines with bright red fruit flavours.
Top Wine Denominations in Campania
Taurasi – Red wine based on the Aglianico grape. It is produced in Irpinia in the Avellino province and is widely regarded as Campania’s finest red wine appellation.
Fiano di Avellino – A white wine from Fiano known for complexity, minerality, and ageing potential. It is considered one of Italy’s greatest white wine denominations.
Greco di Tufo – This white wine from coastal vineyards is famous for its structure, freshness and volcanic minerality.
Aglianico del Taburno – Produced around Mount Taburno in the Benevento province, this red is often compared with Taurasi, though generally less well-known internationally.
Other important appellations to look out for include Falerno del Massico and Vesuvio – in particular look out for the sub-category Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio where wines are produced on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Wines from the Costa d’Amalfi denomination are produced on the steep terraced vineyards of the Amalfi Coast, and wines from the island of Ischia made from Biancolella and Forastera are also well regarded.
Wine Tip
If you’re eating a traditional Neapolitan pizza in Naples, the classic local pairing is Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, especially the red version made largely from the Piedirosso grape. It is often considered a better pizza wine than the more famous Aglianico because it is lighter, fresher and less tannic. It’s a pairing that reflects the volcanic soils and culinary traditions of the Naples area. If you are passing through Naples, don’t miss the chance to try it!
