📍 Irpinia

Irpinia is a mountainous area around the town of Avellino in Campania, southern Italy. It is part of Campania, and it is where the region's three main DOCG appellations lie: Taurasi (red), Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo (whites). Vineyards often sit at 400 to 600 metres, so the climate is cooler than on the coast.

The red grape Aglianico gives Taurasi, a dark, tannic wine with high acidity and ageing ability, often called the “Barolo of the south”. Fiano is a white grape with aromas of nuts, honey and flowers; Greco is a dense, mineral white, especially good from around Tufo.

Soils are volcanic and clayey, autumn brings mists, and harvest comes late. Aglianico also makes the simpler Irpinia Rosso, and the whites make Irpinia Fiano and Greco. Rosé, sparkling and sweet wines exist too.

Irpinia is one of the best examples of how old southern grapes produce world-class wine. North-east of Avellino lies San Martino Valle Caudina, and to the south the Partenio mountains. Taurasi is released after ageing with a minimum period much longer than for ordinary reds, so the wine suits roast meat and aged cheese.