Introduction
Campania is a region of ancient winemaking traditions, which in recent times has been able to give life to wines of the highest level both from white and red grape varieties. Geographically, the cultivation of vines in Campania is favored by the presence of an area that is over 50% hilly and over 30% mountainous. The plain belt represents just 15% of the area of the region.
In Campania there are more than 25,000 hectares of vineyards and a prevalent production of black berried grapes. The prevailing form of farming is changing from the traditional pergola to the espalier and counter-espalier, even if the farming methods in such a vast region vary according to the area. In the Casertano, the maritated trees were preferred, while the sapling is more widespread in the Avellino area and in the high hill-mountain areas in general.
History
The enological history of Campania has ancient origins, prior to the Roman era and presumably beginning with the arrival of the ancient Greeks. In fact, it was the Greeks who introduced the seeds of vitis vinifera in Campania, and the main native grapes of the region–such as Aglianico, Greco, Fiano, Falanghina, Biancolella and Piedirosso–are of Greek origin. The name “Aglianico” seems to derive from the Hellenic term meaning “from Greece”.
The contributions of the Greeks were fundamental to the success of the wines of Campania. During the Roman Empire, Campana viticulture flourished and its wines were exported beyond the Italian peninsula. Many of the famous wines of the time, such as Caleno, Faustiniano and in particular Falerno, were produced in Campania.
The end of the Roman Empire marked the beginning of the decline of viticulture in Campana which continued through the Middle Ages, one of the darkest periods for vines and wine in this region. Powdery mildew and phylloxera arrived in Campania much later than elsewhere, but viticulture suffered enormous damage nonetheless.
The road to quality was taken only in the 1980s. Recently Campanian wines are registering incredible successes and considerable interest on the part of consumers, both for white and red wines. Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, and Falanghina for the whites, and Taurasi and the different expressions of Aglianico for the reds, are just a few examples that today make Campania one of the most interesting regions of Italy when it comes to wine.
