Italy is synonymous with fine wine and exceptional food, and among its many wine regions, Southern Italy is often considered the hidden gem for wine lovers. Known for its ancient winemaking traditions, volcanic soils, and unique grape varieties, the region offers wines with extraordinary depth and character. Recently, our wine tasting event, “Exploring the Wines of Southern Italy,” gave guests the opportunity to discover some of the most exciting wines from Feudi di San Gregorio, a prestigious winery from the heart of Campania.
This event celebrated five carefully selected wines, each representing the rich diversity and history of Campania’s terroir. Here’s a deep dive into our experience and what made each wine truly special.
Understanding Southern Italy’s Winemaking Heritage
Southern Italy’s winemaking history dates back thousands of years. The Campania region, with its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea and its volcanic soils enriched by nearby Mount Vesuvius, provides ideal conditions for growing some of Italy’s most unique grape varieties.
Unlike the more internationally recognized wines from Tuscany and Piedmont, Campania’s wines offer something different—a combination of tradition, local grape varieties, and volcanic minerality that creates wines with vibrant acidity, bold fruit, and incredible aging potential.
At this tasting, we explored five remarkable wines from Feudi di San Gregorio, a winery dedicated to reviving these ancient traditions and bringing Campania’s wines to a global audience.
A Closer Look at the Wines
1. Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo 2021
We began our journey with the Greco di Tufo, a refreshing white wine made from the Greco grape, one of Campania’s oldest varieties. This wine is grown in the volcanic soils of the Tufo region, which imparts a distinctive minerality to the wine.
Tasting Notes:
Greco di Tufo offers citrus and green apple aromas, with hints of almond and fresh herbs. Its crisp acidity and long mineral-driven finish make it an ideal pairing for seafood, light pasta dishes, and fresh cheeses.
Wine Pairing Tip: Greco di Tufo is a natural match for oysters and grilled fish, thanks to its zesty freshness.
2. Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino 2021
Next up was the Fiano di Avellino, another ancient white grape variety that thrives in Campania. Known for its aromatic complexity, Fiano produces wines with a rich texture and excellent aging potential.
Tasting Notes:
The 2021 vintage bursts with pear, honey, and wildflower notes, along with a touch of toasted hazelnut. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine balanced and refreshing.
Wine Pairing Tip: Pair this wine with roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or aged cheeses to bring out its rich flavors.
3. Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2021
Falanghina is another standout white wine from Campania, offering a more floral and fruit-forward style compared to Greco or Fiano. It’s a perfect introduction for those new to Italian white wines.
Tasting Notes:
Falanghina is light and refreshing, with notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and delicate white flowers. Its lively acidity and clean finish make it an incredibly versatile wine.
Wine Pairing Tip: Falanghina pairs wonderfully with bruschetta, seafood risotto, and grilled vegetables.
4. Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico 2018
Moving into the reds, we sampled the Aglianico, often referred to as the “Barolo of the South” for its bold structure and aging potential. This wine is made from the Aglianico grape, one of Italy’s greatest red varieties.
Tasting Notes:
Aglianico is intense and full-bodied, with flavors of dark berries, plum, and hints of spice and tobacco. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth yet powerful finish.
Wine Pairing Tip: This wine is perfect for grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
5. Feudi di San Gregorio Piano di Montevergine Taurasi 2016
We closed the evening with Piano di Montevergine Taurasi, a premium single-vineyard expression of Aglianico. Taurasi is Campania’s flagship red wine and is known for its elegance and longevity.
Tasting Notes:
The 2016 vintage is a masterpiece, with deep flavors of black cherry, licorice, leather, and smoky oak. This wine is complex, layered, and incredibly well-balanced, with a long, lingering finish.
Wine Pairing Tip: This wine is a fantastic match for braised lamb, venison, and truffle-infused dishes.
The Experience: More Than Just a Tasting
Beyond the wines, the event was an immersive experience. Guests learned about the history of Campania’s winemaking, the unique characteristics of each grape, and the winery’s commitment to preserving ancient traditions while embracing modern techniques.
We also offered light food pairings to enhance the tasting experience, showcasing how the right combination of food and wine can elevate flavors and create memorable moments.
Why Campania’s Wines Deserve a Spot on Your Table
Campania’s wines are truly unique and deserve more recognition in the world of wine. Whether it’s the zesty freshness of Greco di Tufo, the rich texture of Fiano di Avellino, or the powerful depth of Taurasi, there is something for every wine lover to discover.
These wines are also incredibly versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with everything from seafood to roasted meats. For those looking to expand their wine knowledge, Campania offers a world of flavors waiting to be explored.
Join Us for the Next Tasting!
Our Exploration of the Wines of Southern Italy was a delightful journey into the heart of Campania’s winemaking. If you missed this event, stay tuned for more upcoming tastings where we continue to explore Italy’s incredible wine regions.
Cheers to discovering new wines and new experiences! 🍷
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