Campania

Campania is one of southern Italy’s most distinctive wine regions, shaped by native grape varieties, volcanic soils, and strong contrasts between cool inland hills and humid coastal zones. The region is best known for:

• Structured whites from Irpinia (Fiano and Greco)
• High-structure, ageworthy reds from Aglianico (Taurasi and Taburno)
• Volcanic, saline wines from Campi Flegrei and Vesuvio

Key regions (how to think about Campania)

Irpinia (Avellino)

Cooler, higher inland vineyards with longer ripening seasons.

• Fiano di Avellino DOCG
• Greco di Tufo DOCG
• Taurasi DOCG (Aglianico)

Sannio & Taburno (Benevento)

Large vineyard area with improving quality and strong value.

• Falanghina del Sannio DOC
• Aglianico del Taburno DOCG
• Sannio DOC

Naples volcanic arc

Maritime influence plus volcanic deposits (tuff, ash, lapilli).

• Campi Flegrei DOC
• Vesuvio DOC / Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio

Caserta / Volturno corridor

Historic names and modern IGT ambition.

• Falerno del Massico DOC
• Terre del Volturno IGT

Coast and islands

Steep terraces and sea influence; small volumes but high identity.

• Costa d’Amalfi DOC (incl. Tramonti)
• Ischia DOC

Climate and soils (drivers of style)

• Altitude inland preserves acidity and helps Aglianico fully ripen tannins.
• Coastal humidity raises fungal pressure, so airflow and canopy management are key.
• Volcanic soils (Vesuvio/Campi Flegrei/Ischia) often show saline, smoky-mineral signatures.
• Calcareous-clay inland soils support textured whites and structured reds.

Key grapes and typical styles

Whites

• Fiano: textural, layered; nutty/waxy notes with age
• Greco: taut, mineral; phenolic grip and bitter almond finish
• Falanghina: citrus and white blossom; volcanic versions often saline
• Asprinio: very high acidity; still and sparkling styles (Aversa DOC)
• Biancolella / Forastera: Ischia island whites, fresh and saline
• Caprettone: volcanic Vesuvio whites with citrus/mineral character

Reds

• Aglianico: high tannin + high acidity; long-lived (Taurasi, Taburno)
• Piedirosso: medium-bodied, savoury volcanic reds; smoky/ash notes common

Denominations to know

DOCG

• Taurasi DOCG (Aglianico; long ageing)
• Fiano di Avellino DOCG
• Greco di Tufo DOCG
• Aglianico del Taburno DOCG

Key DOC

• Campi Flegrei DOC
• Vesuvio DOC / Lacryma Christi
• Ischia DOC
• Falanghina del Sannio DOC
• Aversa DOC (Asprinio)

IGT/IGP

IGT bottlings are common for non-traditional blends, single sites outside DOC rules, and alternative élevage choices.
Well-known reference wines often cited include Montevetrano (Colli di Salerno IGT) and Terra di Lavoro (Terre del Volturno IGT).

Summary

Campania is defined by Irpinia’s structured whites, Aglianico’s ageworthy reds, and volcanic coastal wines with saline, smoky-mineral character.
Its best wines combine native grapes with strong site identity across inland hills, coastal volcanic zones, and islands.