Bright, pouring sunlight, a mild climate, and cheerful people
Campania is the Italian region that most closely matches the stereotypical image foreigners have of Italy in terms of its people, food culture, and climate. It has the second-largest population after Lombardy, and its natural beauty is exceptional. The region boasts a wealth of diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, including the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, the Sorrento Peninsula, the island of Capri, the Blue Grotto, and the island of Ischia.
Furthermore, the entire region is a tourist destination, and the capital, Naples, is so famous for its scenery that people say, "See Naples and die." It is also home to a concentration of cultural heritage sites from various eras, such as the ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Historically, Naples, known as Neapolis, flourished from ancient times as the Greek colony of Magna Graecia and was an important city. During the ancient Roman period, it was praised as "Campania Felix," or "Fortunate Campania," and emperors and aristocrats built villas there in search of a mild climate.
Campania wines, praised since ancient times
Campania is blessed with a mild climate and rich volcanic soil, making it an ideal environment for winemaking.
In the volcanic soil hills of the Irpinia region of Avellino province, in the central inland area, three DOCG wines are produced.
Taurasi is a rigorous red wine made from Aglianico, with firm acidity and tannins, and a taste reminiscent of spices like white sesame. It has excellent long-term aging potential.
Fiano di Avellino has a floral aroma and a very delicate and elegant taste. While delicious to drink young, it possesses astonishing long-term aging capabilities. Because the grapes are sweet and attract bees, it was praised in ancient Rome as Apianum (meaning "bee").
Greco di Tufo is a white wine made from the Greco variety on tuffaceous soil, with a brilliant fruity taste and high acidity.
DOC Falerno del Massico, located along the coast near the northern Lazio region, is a region known as Falernum in ancient Roman times. In its hot, dry Mediterranean climate, highly aromatic Falanghina and rich Aglianico are produced.
In DOC Vesuvio, in the Bay of Naples, red wines are made from Piedirosso and Sciascinoso varieties, and white wines from Coda di Volpe and Verdeca varieties. Vesuvio Lacryma Christi, meaning "Tears of Christ," enjoys enduring popularity.
Falanghina from the island of Capri is a fresh white wine with vibrant aromas, but it is rarely available outside the region.
In the southern Cilento region, Fiano and Aglianico with tropical fruit notes are noteworthy.
When it comes to pizza, it's Campania
The quintessential Pizza Margherita is a simple pizza with just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. However, by using the world's best local tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it achieves a deliciousness and impact that rivals any luxurious dish.
The cuisine is Mediterranean, often utilizing olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers, making the most of the region's abundant ingredients. The pasta from Gragnano, near Naples, is a premium product, and San Marzano tomatoes, used for sauces, are very famous.
Source, citations, and references:
"Professional's Italian Wine Manual, Italian Wine 2018-2021 Edition" Publisher: Wine Kingdom Co., Ltd. Supervisor: Isao Miyajima. Cooperation: Nichio Shoshi Co., Ltd.
