Best wine to try during a vacation on the Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts
A vacation to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula is not complete without exploring the local cuisine, including the many excellent wines of Campania.
Characteristics of the wines of Campania
Campania boasts a diverse range of wine styles. The region’s winemakers embrace traditional winemaking techniques while incorporating modern approaches, resulting in a diverse portfolio of wines that cater to different preferences and occasions.
Wines from the Campania region have distinct characteristics influenced by the region’s diverse terroir and grape varieties. Here are some general characteristics:
White Wines
Campania produces notable white wines that often display freshness, vibrancy, and minerality. They tend to have a medium to full body with a crisp acidity, making them versatile and food-friendly. Their aromatic profile can range from citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit) and tropical fruits (pineapple, mango) to floral notes (acacia, orange blossom). You can enjoy them in their youth or after an additional aging.
Red Wines
The red wines of Campania show richness, depth, and age-worthy potential. Aglianico, the signature red grape variety of the region, produces powerful and structured wines with firm tannins. These wines often showcase flavors of dark fruits (plum, blackberry), spices (black pepper, cinnamon), and earthy undertones. Aglianico-based reds can benefit from aging to soften their tannins and develop complexity.
Indigenous Grape Varieties
Campania is home to several indigenous grape varieties that contribute to the region’s distinct wine offerings. These include Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, and Piedirosso, among others. These grape varieties have adapted to the local terroir, resulting in wines with unique flavors and characteristics that reflect the region’s identity.
Volcanic Influence
Not far from the Amalfi Coast is Mount Vesuvius. The volcanic soils contribute to the mineral-driven character and distinctiveness of many local products. The volcanic ash and minerals present in the soil infuse the wines with subtle earthy notes and a distinct mineral backbone, adding complexity and depth.
Of course, these characteristics can vary depending on the sub-regions, vineyard sites, winemaking practices, and individual producers.
Campania wines you should try
Here are some of the best wines from the Campania region:
Taurasi
Many experts consider Taurasi the king of Campania wines. It is a full-bodied red wine made from the Aglianico grape variety. Taurasi is known for its deep, complex flavors, often showcasing dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes.
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino is a white wine produced from the Fiano grape variety. Its aromatic profile includes notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and honey. Fiano di Avellino is popular for its elegance, crisp acidity, and excellent aging potential.
Greco di Tufo
Greco di Tufo is another esteemed white wine from Campania, made from the Greco grape. It offers a rich and mineral-driven character, often displaying flavors of pear, apple, and floral undertones. Greco di Tufo typically possesses a vibrant acidity and a long, persistent finish.
Aglianico del Taburno
Aglianico del Taburno is a red wine produced from the Aglianico grape variety. It hails from the Taburno DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) in Campania. It exhibits intense aromas of dark berries, spices, and licorice, with firm tannins and a robust structure.
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, meaning “Tears of Christ,” is produced on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Both red and white wines are made under this appellation. The white ones, primarily made from Coda di Volpe and Falanghina grapes, are fresh, aromatic, and mineral-driven. The red ones, produced mainly from Piedirosso and Aglianico, offer dark fruit flavors, herbal notes, and a distinct volcanic terroir.
Other noteworthy wines like Falanghina, Aglianico Beneventano, and Greco di Sannio, among others. All of them make Campania a must-visit for wine enthusiasts, who can follow the Sorrento Wine Route. And if you are also into spirits, don’t forget to try Limoncello, the local lemon-based liqueur!
Are you planning your vacation in Italy?Take a look at our luxury villas for rent on the Amalfi&Sorrento Coasts.