There is nothing like Southern Italian white wines. They are the underdogs that make the best companions in the summertime. Each channels the gorgeous coastline of southern Italy, through its color, freshness, and beauty.

Let’s explore the 4 southern Italian white wines to drink this summer, each hailing from the stunning region of Campania.

Falanghina

Heading to the beach on the Amalfi Coast or in Campania in general? Chances are, you will find Falanghina as the white wine of choice at the beach bars. One sip, and you’ll understand why!

Falanghina is a white wine grape variety known for producing aromatic and crisp white wines with a distinct character. This grape is native to the Campania region, with records of its cultivation dating back to ancient Roman times. In recent years, Falanghina wines have gained popularity and recognition among wine enthusiasts for their unique qualities.

The wines produced from the Falanghina grape tend to have a pale to medium straw color and exhibit floral and fruity aromas. Common aromas include notes of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, as well as tropical fruits like pineapple and melon. Some examples may also showcase herbal or mineral undertones.

On the palate, Falanghina wines are typically dry, with moderate to high acidity. They are known for their refreshing and crisp character, making them enjoyable on their own or as a pairing with a variety of dishes. The flavor profile often includes citrus fruits, orchard fruits, and a touch of minerality.

Falanghina wines are produced in various styles, ranging from fresh and youthful examples meant to be consumed early, to more complex and age-worthy wines that can develop additional layers of flavor over time.

Falanghina wines offer a delightful representation of the terroir and grape characteristics of southern Italy, and they continue to gain recognition for their quality and versatility. The Campania region, particularly the areas of Benevento and Avellino, is known for producing some of the finest expressions of Falanghina wines. These wines are often labeled as Falanghina del Sannio DOC, Falanghina del Taburno DOC, or Irpinia Falanghina DOC. However, the grape is also grown in other parts of Italy like Molise and Puglia.

Discover Historia Antiqua’s 2018 Falanghina

Coda di Volpe 

Coda di Volpe is a lesser-known southern Italian white wine. Like the rest, it is a grape variety also native to Campania, with quite a funky name. “Coda di Volpe” translates to “tail of the fox” in Italian, referring to the grape cluster’s resemblance to a fox’s tail!

Coda di Volpe is known for producing crisp and aromatic white wines with lovely acidity and a range of flavors. In the glass, it exhibits a straw-yellow color and aromas of citrus fruits, such as lemon and grapefruit, along with floral and herbal notes. On the palate, Coda di Volpe wines are often fresh, lively, and balanced, with a medium body. That said, they are great year-round white wines.

Coda di Volpe is used to produce both single-varietal wines and blended wines. Though less common, you can find this grape turned into zesty sparkling wines. 

The Campania region, particularly the areas of Avellino and Benevento, is known for producing noteworthy Coda di Volpe wines. They are often labeled as Coda di Volpe DOC or Coda di Volpe del Taburno DOC. Overall, Coda di Volpe wines offer a distinctive expression of southern Italian white wines and continue to gain recognition for their quality and character.

Discover Historia Antiqua’s 2018 Coda di Volpe

Fiano

Another Campania native, Fiano is considered one of the most prestigious white grape varieties of Italy, known for producing wines with a distinctive character and a potential for aging. 

Fiano grapes are known for their thick skins, which contribute to the wine’s aromatic profile and ability to retain acidity. Wines made from Fiano grapes tend to have a deep golden color and complex aromas. Common aromas include tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango, as well as citrus fruits, honey, nuts, and floral notes.

On the palate, Fiano wines are typically medium to full-bodied with moderate acidity. They offer a rich and textural mouthfeel and often have a pronounced mineral character. The flavors can range from ripe fruits like pear and apricot to herbal and nutty undertones.

What makes Fiano exceptional is its outstanding capacity for aging. With time, Fiano wines can develop more complexity, showcasing secondary characteristics like honeyed notes, toasted almonds, and a fuller body.

The Campania region, particularly the Avellino area, is renowned for its Fiano wines. The wines produced in this region are often labeled as Fiano di Avellino DOCG, indicating the highest quality designation for wines from this area. Fiano is found in other regions as well – like Puglia, Lazio, and Sicily – though grown at much lesser volumes.

Overall, Fiano wines offer a unique and captivating expression of southern Italian white wines, with their distinct aromas, textured palate, and aging potential.

Historia Antiqua’s Fiano is currently sold out. Visit Domenico Winery’s site for updates!

Greco di Tufo

No, this grape is not Greek! Although, its origins might be. Greco di Tufo is one of the most esteemed white wines in southern Italy, due to its very unique character.

The Greco grape has a long history in the region, with evidence of its cultivation dating back to ancient times. The name “Greco” is believed to derive from the Greek settlers who brought the grape to Italy. However, many enologists are not entirely sure about this as the origins are still very unclear. What we do know is that ‘tufo’ refers to the volcanic soil in which the vineyards are planted and the town that its DOC is home to in Avellino.

That said, Greco di Tufo is the name of the particular DOC wine, made from Greco grapes unique to the area of Tufo. The wine brings intense aromas of stone fruits, such as peach and apricot, along with floral notes of white flowers and hints of honey and herbs. On the palate, Greco di Tufo wines are known for their crisp acidity, medium to full body, and brilliant minerality. The volcanic soils in which the grapes are grown contribute to the wine’s flinty and mineral-driven character, adding depth and complexity.

A unique thing about Greco di Tufo is its slightly creamy texture which distinguishes it clearly from other Campanian wines. This trait can make certain Greco di Tufo wines larger in body, and definitely appealing to those who love Chardonnay.

Overall, Greco di Tufo wines are highly regarded for their distinctive character, reflecting the terroir of the volcanic soils and showcasing the quality of the Greco grape. They offer a unique taste of the Campania region’s white wine excellence.

Discover Historia Antiqua’s 2018 Greco di Tufo

Curious to learn more about southern Italian white wines to drink this summer and Historia Antiqua? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Domenico Winery team to learn all about what their incredible Southern Italian relatives’ winery!