Unbeknownst to many Americans, Italian wine is very specific to its regions. Much like in the States, where Georgia is known for peaches, Florida for oranges, and so on, each Italian province has its own native grape varietals and wines. Naples is located in the Italian province of Campania, which is home to a beautiful selection of wines. Here are my suggestions for some of the best local wines!
Lacryma Christi
Lacryma Christi is a white, red, or rose wine that comes from the foothills of Vesuvius. It literally translates to “the tears of Christ”. Local legend has it that when God cast Satan out of heaven he stole a little piece of paradise on the way down, today that slice of heaven is the Bay of Naples. Christ came and sat atop Vesuvius to look over this stolen land and wept over its beauty. It was these tears that fertilized the ground, making it perfect for growing grapes and producing wine.
Since Lacryma Christi grows in volcanic soil it is a fresh wine full of complex mineral components. It is best served slightly chilled (even the red) or the acidity can overwhelm the palate. It’s a perfect pairing for simple pastas and aged cheeses!
White Wines
Falangina
Falangina is a light, crisp white, perfect for a summer afternoon! It goes beautifully with any of the bay’s light fish dishes, especially spaghetti e vongole (spaghetti with clams).
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino is a dry white grown in the Avellino region of Campania. It is often described as having pear notes and nutty flavors, and is widely recognized as one of the region’s best whites. Fiano ages incredibly well, and good vintages can last up to 15 years.
Greco di Tufo
It was the Greeks who first introduced this grape to the area, so the name greco (the Italian word for Greek) is only fitting. This wine is crisp and fruity with a bit more intensity than the softer Fiano di Avellino. It is also an age-worthy white, and can be kept for up to 10-12 years.
Red Wines
Piedirosso
If you enjoy fruitier reds, Piedirosso is the perfect wine for you. It’s name translates to “red feet” because its leaves resemble the red feet of Pigeon’s toes. It is light and fresh and a perfect pair to simple dishes, like pizza or spaghetti with red sauce.
Aglianico
Aglianico is Campania’s most famous red grape and is bold and spicy. The best aglianicos are grown a bit inland where the soil is more clay-like than the volcanic soil of the coast. It pairs well with heavier dishes like grilled meats or pasta with truffles.
Taurasi
Taurasi could also be called “The King of Campania Reds”. It is big and bold with notes of leather and black pepper, and can age for 20 years or more. For a wine to bear the name, it must be made from aglianico grapes grown in the Taurasi region, and aged for a minimum of three years before release, with at least one year of oak aging. Drink this with mature cheeses, ragout, or spicy foods.
Taurasi Riserva
Like Taurasi, the Taurasi Riserva must be made with aglianico from the Taurasi region, but in this case the wine must age for four years before release, with at least 18 months in oak. The extra year helps to bring out the complex flavors of this bold red. Impress your friends and serve this with salami, aged cheeses, or roasts.
Want to do a tasting while in Naples? Here are my favorite wineries to visit!
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