The Incredible Wines of Campania with Historia Antiqua
The Italian wine world is a big and diverse one. What many do not know is how a major chunk of California winemaking history lays in the hands of Italian immigrants. Staying connected to those roots is important, something which is very close to the hearts of the Chirchillos, the family behind Domenico Winery in San Matteo California. They import wines of Campania, from their cousins’ winery Historia Antiqua.
This winery tells the story of the land that their family has called home for centuries. It also showcases the beauty of the region – Campania. Home to the Amalfi Coast, Napoli, and everyone’s favorite pizza margharita, there is so much to love here. And, their wines are one of them!
A Little Bit About Campania
Where is Campania?
Campania is a region in the southwestern side of Italy. It has an extensive coastline that begins just before it’s famed capital city of Napoli.
Its a region with an extensive, dating back to the Greeks who occupied by the area, calling it ‘Magna Graecia.’ Later, the Romans took over, adoring Campania as it was an agricultural paradise, not to mention the idyllic place for a vacation. The Amalfi Coast is still beloved to this day!
What is Historia Antiqua?
Historia Antiqua is a winery located in the heart of Irpinia, the northernmost area of the province of Avellino. This stunning province is world-renowned for its wines, made with ancient indigenous grape varieties. These include white wines made from native grapes like Greco di Tufo and Falanghina. Or, even elegant red wines like Taurasi D.O.C.G., made with the beloved Aglianico grape. The winery – nestled in one of Campania’s most prized wine growing areas – reaps the benefits of the ancient land.
The winery began in 1969 with Michael Cornacchio and Margherita De Iorio, two relatives of Dominick Chirchillo- head winemaker and co-owner of Domenico Winery. A little fact: Avellino is also where Dominick’s father and Domenico Winery’s Wine Club Manager’s father is from! Coupled with incredible winemaking history, this makes Historia Antiqua wines extra special.
The Wines of Campania
Greco di Tufo D.O.C.G.
Understanding this wine means breaking down the name. Greco is a grape native to Campania, Italy. Its name gives off the idea that it has Greek origins. But, this fact is actually still up in the air. What we do know is – it’s been nurtured and cultivated in Campania.
Tufo is the name of a town in Avellino. The word “Tufo” means “tuff” – the soft, volcanic rock found in this province. The wine tiself Greco di Tufo holds D.O.C.G. status for its uniqueness, origins, and quality.
Greco di Tufo is a lovely white wine, with an alluring dark lemon or gold color. It is citrus-driven with wonderful acidity. When aged in barrel, Greco di Tufo can be much more bodied. Greco is an excellent match for most savory and fried things such as mozzarella in carozza or heavier seafood dishes. It even pairs wonderfully with sausage.
Fiano di Avellino D.O.C.G.
Fiano is one of the most esteemed white wines in Italy at the moment. This is due mainly to its unique character and ancient past. This wine is mineral, floral, and full of yummy orchard fruit notes. It’s a fuller-bodied white wine. This combination of flavors makes Fiano great for white meat or seafood. We offer 2018 Fiano di Avellino online and in our tasting room.
Falanghina
Nothing screams Italian summer more than Falanghina. In fact, you willl find a fresh, fizzy style of this wine served with peaches on the beaches of Campania. Of course, this isn’t what you will find stateside. But, don’t be sad because still falanghina – especially by Historia Antiqua – is very good. It’s a light-bodied, fresh, and floral wine. Grown in a gorgeous Irpinia area, Falanghina is an ancient grape Romans used to drink bounties of.
Coda di Volpe
Attention! This is a wine hard to find outside of Italy, let alone Campania.
Coda di Volpe means ‘fox’s tail.’ Strange, we know. But, it all goes back to farmers who were the ones naming Italian grapes from the beginning. Coda di Volpe’s long grape bunches apparently resembled a fox’s tail way back in the day.
A pretty rare grape variety, Coda di Volpe is grown in pretty small quantities. It has stunning acidity and a slightly salty character. The flavors will surely transport you to Campania, mentally that is.
Aglianico
You can’t talk about the wines of Campania without Aglianico. It is a grape variety calling Southern Italy home since Grecian times. Aglianico is a thick-skinned varietal that adores high altitudes, volcanic soils, and steep slopes. And, Avellino is the perfect place for all three. It brings out the best character of Aglianico, with flavors and aromas that can range from floral to fruity to even ‘meaty’ at times.
Historia Antiqua makes two kinds of Aglianico: Aglianico di Taurasi and Irpinia Aglianico. The first is a D.O.C.G., like Greco and Fiano. This means that the wine’s production must follow historic wine laws. It is grown in the area of Taurasi, an area known for producing very elegant Aglianico. Unlike Taurasi, Irpinia Aglianico is produced with grapes grown in the larger area of Irpinia. It is a more casual wine, but nonetheless delicious.
Looking to try the wines of Campania from Historia Antiqua? You can now order Historia Antiqua wines from our website or taste them at our Osteria today!
