Portfolio of Wines from Campania
Herein lie the ruins of Pompeii, the lands visited by Ulysses, and the home of heroes celebrated through the writings of Homer and Virgil. Campania is known best within Italy for its seafood-friendly whites, outside of Italy for its big reds. Different micro-climates and volcanic soils give birth to a wide range of complex wines.
From terroir as different as the active coastal lava fields of Campi Flegrei to the dormant tufa slopes of Taurasi at 1.500 feet, the region of Campania produces distinctive wines of diverse personalities, heroic wines for frutti di mare in Naples or cinghiale in Avellino.
Wines of Farro
Region: Campania
Grapes: 100% Falanghina
Vineyards: Grown "a piede franco" on "phalanxes" (tall support poles); near still-active volcanic fields rich in ash, pumice, tufa and microelements
Ageing: 100% stainless steel
Annual Production: 2,500 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Service: 50-52°
Falanghina Campi Flegrei DOC
Cantine Farro was the only Falanghina served at the 2006 Academy Awards dinner, which featured wines of Campania. Limited vineyards adjoin the still-active Flegrein Fields, imparting a minerality not found in other regions.
Some of the oldest wines in Europe can be found in Campi Flegrei, growing on their own rootstock - the soil composition protected these heroic vines from the 19th century phylloxera epidemic that ravaged much of Europe.
Cantine Farro Campi Flegrei Falanghina is a delicate white wine, which pairs perfectly with seafood. Citrus aromas, vibrant acidity, and a mineral finish are the highlights of this elegant wine.
Wines of Terranera
Region: Avellino, Campi Flegrei
Grapes: 100% Falanghina
Vineyards: Guyot-trained at 984 ft above sea level in the hills of Camaldoli, harvested end of Sep
Vinification: Skin contact at controlled temperature (61-64°); bottled in Apr
Ageing: Temperature-controlled, all stainless steel
Annual Production: 2,500 case
Alcohol: 12%
Service: 50-52°
Campi Flegrei Falanghina DOC
Virtually extinct in the 1890s, this exciting white varietal has recently become the fastest growing wine in the Italian marketplace. Although Falanghina is produced in quantity throughout much of Campania, the most distinctive wines come from the Campi Flegrei appellation.
From the Camaldoli Hill vineyards at 900 feet elevation, Teranerra's Campi Flegrei Falanghina has citrus and honeysuckle on the nose with generous mouthfeel and a delicate finish. Pairs beautifully with seafood, white fish, and light pizza.
Region: Avellino, Campania
Grapes: 100% Fiano di Avellino
Vineyards: Guyot-trained at 1,150 ft above sea level in the hills of Aiello del Sabato
Vinification: Harvested end of Sept; skin contact at controlled temp (61-64°); bottled in Feb
Ageing: Temperature-controlled, all stainless steel
Annual production: 1,080 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Service: 53-56°
Fiano di Avellino DOCG "Vigna della Sabina"
Aristocrat of the storied Campania white wines, Fiano di Avellino features the ancient Fiano grape from high-elevation vineyards northeast of Naples.
Aromas of pear and hazelnut blend perfectly with hints of pine needles and a cleansing mineral finish.
This delicate wine is recommended with shellfish, frutti di mare, fish soups, and with light appetizers.
Region: Campania
Grapes: 100% Greco di Tufo
Vineyards: Guyot-trained at 1,800 ft above sea level on the slopes of Monte Toro Altavilla Irpinia
Vinification: Harvested in Oct; skin contact at controlled temp (61-64°); bottled in Feb
Ageing: 100% stainless steel
Annual Production: 3,300 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 53-55°
Greco di Tufo DOCG "Vigne di Tora"
Brought to southern Italy by the Greeks, Greco di Tufo is a white grape with an up-front fruity personality. Aromas of orange blossom and honey lead to intense peach, flavors with hints of fig and toasted almonds.
It pairs well with seafood and vegetable dishes, fresh cheeses and pizza.
Region: Campania
Grapes: 100% Aglianico
Vineyards: Guyot-trained at 1,475-1,640 ft above sea level on Paternopoli hill
Vinification: Harvested end of Oct; skin contact at controlled temperatures (75-77°)
Ageing: 4 yrs in oak botte (lg. barrels), 6 mos in bottles
Annual production: 1000 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 64-68°, decant ½-1 hr before serving
Taurasi DOCG
The most renowned Italian wine south of Tuscany, Taurasi is a small DOCG appellation in the Irpinian hills of Campania east of Naples. Called the "Barolo of the South," Taurasi is made from the Aglianico grape and spends at least three years in oak and bottle before release.
Powerful dark berry aromas carry into a medium-bodied red wine with smooth elegant tannins. Hints of honey along with anise, underbrush, and road tar entertain the palette. Best with hearty beef roasts, game and aged cheeses.