Campania, here I come. Mi aspetta!

In about a month I am packing my bags and heading off to discover the home of Aglianico, Fiano, and Falanghina.

— Campania!

I am sure I have no idea what I am getting myself into. Not only will I be right there at the Amalfi coast (I will have to check it out!) and Napoli (not so sure if I will venture there …) but I just discovered a whole slew of grapes growing in that region that I’ve never (ever) heard of!

That is why, my friends, I fall in love with Italy over and over again.

This evening I pulled out some of my guidebooks so I could start preparing for my trip. I figured I’d just see who was making the best Aglianico, … maybe check out a few whites somewhere … when suddenly I came across this list of the “main ones” indigenous to Campania, and I keep finding more.

(whites) Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Biancolella, Forastera, Pepella, Ginestra, Ripoli, Fenile, San Nicola, Coda di Volpe, Asprinio, Palagrello bianco, Caprettone; (reds) Aglianico, Piedirosso, Pallagrello rosso, Casavecchia, Sciascinoso, Barbera del Sannio (not related to Barbera of the north).

There are, in reality, about 100 official grapes of Campania and it is the only Italian region that does not allow any international grapes to be indicated on the label of their IGT wines. (I think there are some around, though, and blended with Aglianico sometimes.)

Exciting stuff! I will do my best to keep you guys updated while I am on the road, provided TIM cooperates and I’ve got a data plan. Just a few more weeks!