Until a few years ago it would have been difficult to deal with the subject, but today it can be said that the production of sparkling wines in Campania is in a phase of qualitative and quantitative growth. It is sufficient to count the number of wineries that produce bubbles to verify its diffusion. Of course, for now it remains difficult to talk about a real tradition, but the work of the producers who have invested their efforts in the sparkling winemaking of native vines, is giving excellent results both with the classic method and with the Martinotti method.
In Campania, as with every great terroir, each area is characterized by its indigenous vineyards, which have their roots in distant times. The production of sparkling wine is closely linked to the concept of terroir, since the characteristics of a vine are the result of interaction with the environment, the soil, the climate, and man. This is our assist to tell you about sparkling wines from Asprinio, Falanghina, Biancolella, Greco and Fiano, but also from black grapes such as Aglianico, Piedirosso, Scianscinoso and Barbera del Sannio. We will choose only some of the most representative, but we advise you to taste them all.
Il Greco di Tufo Spumante: the only regional DOCG sparkling wine to use the old classification. This vine bears its clear origins in its name; was called Aminea Gemina and Aristotle believed that the amine vine came from Thessaly, the land of origin of the Aminei people who colonized the Neapolitan coast and planted this precious vine on the slopes of Vesuvius and subsequently in other areas such as the province of Avellino (Tufo) and Benevento. The clayey and sandy soils, the strong temperature variations in summer, the hilly vineyards with good exposure, an average rainfall make the grapes particularly suitable for sparkling wine thanks to a marked acidity. Straw yellow in color with greenish or golden reflections depending on the type and with a fine and harmonious savory flavor.
Aversa Asprinio Spumante DOP: Produced in the province of Caserta, north of Naples on a geologically homogeneous plain located north of the Phlegraean fields, on land which have volcanic deposits, this sparkling wine is obtained from the pure vinification of the Asprinio grape. This white grape variety has a high level of acidity. The vine derives from the “tribe” of pinot and was introduced in the Neapolitan area during the French domination (according to Giampaglia). Characteristic is the form of cultivation of this vine: the tree-lined aversana (the vines are only grown vertically and seem to climb towards the sky. Winegrowers must use very high ladders to harvest). Straw yellow in color and with a fragrant and fresh flavor.
Irpinia Spumante DOP: Fiano, Falanghina, Greco in the DOP version these are the vines used, but in the IGT versions you can find excellent sparkling wines from black grapes such as Aglianico. It must be premised that the “Campania sparkling wine” owes its origins to the oenological school of Avellino (whose origins date back to 1879 Royal school of Viticulture and enology) where experimentation with Fiano grapes led to the first production. The characteristic of the Irpinia area is certainly the climate, unique in Campania with cold winter temperatures and large summer temperature ranges. Each type has its own distinct individual characteristics:
Campo Flegrei Falanghina Spumante DOP, Spumante based on Falanghina from Campi Flegrei (area immediately north of Naples: Pozzuoli, Procida, Bacoli etc.). The land on which the Falanghina grapes destined for sparkling wine is grown is part of the volcanic complex of the Phlegraean fields and is therefore rich in ashes, lapilli, pumice, tuffs and microelements that characterize the wines of this area in a unique and recognizable way. The climate is windy and very bright (proximity to the sea). With an intense or deep straw yellow color and a dry and fresh flavor where the mineral notes open to the nose.
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Spumante DOP is produced with white grapes of Caprettone, Verdeca, Falanghina and Greco grown on the slopes of Vesuvius (volcanic soils rich in potassium). The viticulture of Vesuvius has millenary origins as evidenced by the Pompeian frescoes and the many historical references. The fertile soil, the exposure, the breezy climate, the altitude and the temperature variations make the characteristics of these sparkling wines unique.
Sannio Spumante DOP this denomination is certainly the one that offers the greatest number of types of sparkling wines, produced both with white grapes and reds: Aglianico, Barbera, Piedirosso, Sciascinoso for the reds, Coda di Volpe, Fiano, Greco, Moscato. We immediately understand that it is difficult to give generic indications on territory and such a varied production. Exposure, altitude, territory, grape variety, choice of the Martinotti or Classico method all combine to give identity to these sparkling wines that stand out for their finesse.
We remind you that the sommeliers of Napoli Wine Tours are ready to accompany you on an immersive journey into the Campania bubbles. For info do not hesitate to contact us.