Campania

DOCG region for red wine in the wine-growing region of Campania in Italy. It is named after the town of the same name. The zone was classified as DOC in 1970, and as DOCG in 1993. The vineyard area totals 420 hectares, they are located on volcanic slopes north-east of Avellino, and are spread over 17 communes. The best vineyard sites are considered to be Castelfranci, Jampenne, Radici and Torre, these are all located at an altitude of around 400 metres above sea level. The wine must contain a minimum of 85% of Aglianico, with a maximum of 15% of other non-aromatic red wine varieties. The leading producers make a straight varietal wine. The wine has a maturation potential of 20 years or more, and has a full-bodied structure with high levels of extract and tannin, and aromas of dark fruit, papaya, plums, spice and vanilla. The wine is ruby red when young, this changes to mahogany notes as it matures. The minimum alcohol content is 12% vol. The wine must be matured for 3 years before release, of which a minimum of one year in barrel and two years in bottle. If it is matured for 4 years, of which 18 months in barrel, and with a minimum alcohol content of 12,5% vol it may be called a Riserva. Taurasi is one of the best red wines in Italy, and is sometimes put on a level with Barolo (Piemont) and Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany). More than 80% of the total production volume comes from the famous Mastroberardino estate, this winery’s Taurasi Radici Riserva of the 1968 vintage is legendary. Other well-known producers include Caggiano, Caputo, Feudi di San Gregorio, Molettieri, Struzziero and Villa Raiano.