Southern Italian Whites
What is your go to summer white wine/varietal? Albariño? Pinot Grigio? Sauvignon Blanc? I have been looking back through the glass in Campania and thoroughly enjoying Southern Italian White varietals.
Campania brings visions of Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast and the ancient city of Pompeii. It is also one of the most varied regions in terms of topography and soils. The same volcanic soils that create unbelievable San Marzano tomato (hello Pizza Margherita that I have tried to recreate unsuccessfully back home) and squeaky, beautiful buffalo mozzarella, also produces incredibly diverse wines. Most people would “assume” that because the wines are from Southern Italy that they will be rich in flavor and full bodied. It’s quite the opposite - they are bursting with freshness and simply thirst quenchingly delicious. The wines really allows you to taste and learn about each terroir through the glass.
Quick summary: Campania is the shin of Italy’s boot. Campania loosely translates to “happy land” in Latin. The region has strong a very long history dating back to the 12th century BC to both wine and vine and is one of Italy's very oldest wine regions. The Greeks, Romans and Byzantines ancient empires all left their mark on this region. This region has an abundance of sunshine, long growing season, volcanic soils and coastal breezes - all of which encourage a bright acidity in the fruit.
The top red varietal is Agliancio (big and bold) and the top white varietals in Campania are Falanghina, Fiano and Greco:
Falanghina: zesty minerality with apricot kernel, honey, lemon, orange blossom and almonds notes.
Fiano: green apple, pear, white blossom, orange zest and hazelnut notes
Greco: brisk minerality, citrus, stone fruit, delicate herbal and yellow flowers,
They all have in common - they all thrive in Campania, they all have fresh flavors, have a great acid structure, very good food pairing wine and so affordable!
Who is thirsty and ready to jump on board to discover Campania?
