Greco di Tufo

Greco di Tufo

41°00'42.9"N

LATITUDE

14°49'07.9"E

LONGITUDE

4

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Campania in southern Italy, the Greco di Tufo DOCG stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and viticulture. Celebrated for its unique environment and the exceptional quality of its wines, this region is a sanctuary where the Greco grape finds its most authentic expression.

The natural setting of Greco di Tufo is spellbinding. A Mediterranean climate marked by warm summers and mild winters graces the region, while its varying altitudes provide a rich tapestry of microclimates. But what truly sets the region apart is its sulfur-rich volcanic soils. These mineral-laden terrains imbue the wines with their characteristic minerality and complexity, shaping the distinctive profiles of the Bianco, Bianco Riserva, Spumante, and Spumante Riserva wines.

Bianco wines are the cornerstone of the region, celebrated for their zesty acidity, aromatic richness, and hints of tropical fruit. Bianco Riserva takes this complexity a notch higher, with extended aging amplifying the wine’s structure and depth. If effervescence is your preference, Spumante offers a bubbly delight, capturing the lively minerality of the Greco grape in each spirited bubble. Lastly, the Spumante Riserva, with its extended aging, unearths a sublime balance between fizz and finesse, becoming an epitome of what well-crafted sparkling wine can achieve.

From the foothills to the loftier terrains, each vineyard in Greco di Tufo contributes to the intricate mosaic that makes this region extraordinary. Whether it’s the mineral-driven intensity of the Bianco or the elegant effervescence of the Spumante, Greco di Tufo DOCG encapsulates the beauty of its environment in every sip.

Associations

vinerra illustration
635

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

-

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

Set deep within the picturesque region of Campania, Greco di Tufo DOCG is a realm where viticulture and nature seamlessly blend. The landscape is a breathtaking tableau of undulating hills, studded with ancient vineyards that seem to have stood the test of time.

Upon a closer look, one can see the vineyards draped over varying terrains, from the more gentle slopes to the steeper gradients, each offering its own unique microclimate and perspective of the land. These terrains are punctuated by patches of lush woodlands, interspersed with babbling streams that carve their way through the hills, nourishing the soils and creating a serene ambiance.

But it's not just the topography that's enchanting. Beneath the surface lies Greco di Tufo's true treasure: its volcanic soils. These mineral-rich grounds, a result of millennia of volcanic activity, sparkle with deposits of sulfur, lending the terrain a unique hue and texture. This volcanic legacy is crucial, bestowing upon the wines their distinctive minerality and character.

Furthermore, the region is dotted with quaint hamlets and villages, where life seems to revolve around the vine and the wine. Stone-built houses with terracotta roofs peek out from between the vines, while the aroma of fermenting grapes often fills the air, especially during the harvest season.

In essence, the landscape of Greco di Tufo DOCG is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human endeavor, where every hill, valley, and vine tells a story of tradition, passion, and the eternal dance between the land and the grape.

The climate of Greco di Tufo DOCG is a masterful play of nature, creating an environment where the Greco grape not only thrives but sings its most soulful song. The heart of this wine region beats to the rhythms of the Mediterranean, characterized by a harmony of warmth and moisture, interlaced with seasonal intricacies.

Summers in Greco di Tufo are pleasantly warm without being excessively hot, thanks to the consistent, cooling breezes descending from the surrounding hills and mountains. These gentle winds, often carrying the faint whispers of the nearby sea, temper the heat, ensuring the grapes mature steadily without losing their vital acidity. The sun-drenched days, paired with the relatively cooler nights, play a significant role in developing the grape's aromatic compounds, resulting in wines with profound depth and aromatic complexity.

Winters, on the other hand, are mild, with the protective embrace of the region's undulating terrain shielding the vineyards from any severe cold spells or frost. Occasional rain showers during this season ensure the soils retain the necessary moisture, preparing the land for the growth spurt in spring.

One cannot discuss the climate without acknowledging the moderating influence of the area's hydrology. The presence of streams and underground water reserves aids in balancing out the dry spells, especially during the hotter months, ensuring the vines remain quenched and healthy.

However, what truly elevates the climatic conditions of Greco di Tufo is its unique interplay with the volcanic soils. The warmth of the sun heats these mineral-rich terrains, which in turn radiate a gentle heat during the cooler nights, further aiding the maturation process of the grapes.

In sum, the climate of Greco di Tufo DOCG is a meticulously orchestrated dance of elements, offering the perfect stage for the Greco grape to showcase its best attributes, echoing the land's voice in every bottle.

The soils of the Greco di Tufo DOCG are as diverse as they are expressive, each type contributing its own unique voice to the region's wines. These soils, shaped by eons of geological activity, are crucial in bestowing the wines with their characteristic profiles and mineral undertones.

  1. Volcanic Tuff: Dominating a significant portion of the region, the volcanic tuff is a direct testament to the area's fiery past. Formed from compressed volcanic ash, this soil type is light, porous, and rich in minerals. Its ability to retain moisture while ensuring good drainage makes it ideal for viticulture. Wines sourced from vines rooted in volcanic tuff often exhibit pronounced mineral notes, with an underlying smoky complexity.
  2. Limestone: In certain pockets of Greco di Tufo, limestone emerges as the primary soil component. Limestone, with its alkaline nature and excellent water retention capabilities, encourages vines to root deeply. This deep rooting system allows the vines to access the wealth of minerals stored below, resulting in wines with a delicate, nuanced structure and a certain elegance on the palate.
  3. Clay: Clay soils, known for their coolness and moisture-retaining properties, can also be found interspersed within the region. These heavier soils provide a counterbalance to the area's warm climate, offering the vines a respite during hotter periods. Wines from clay-rich areas tend to have a robust character, with a fuller body and pronounced fruit-forward notes.
  4. Sandy Loam: Patches of sandy loam, a blend of sand, silt, and clay, dot the Greco di Tufo landscape. This well-draining soil type is particularly adept at promoting vine vigor while preventing various soil-borne diseases. Vines from these soils produce wines that are aromatic, with a vibrant freshness and a lively acidity.

Discover

Originating from ancient vineyards, the Greco grape is a true emblem of the Greco di Tufo DOCG. With a rich history that traces back to the times of the Greeks, this varietal has a distinctive physical aspect. The grape clusters are of medium size, tightly packed, with a cylindrical or slightly conical shape. The individual berries, yellow-green in hue, have a thick skin that offers resilience against the rigors of nature while preserving the aromatic compounds within.

In terms of its aromatic and flavor profile, the Greco grape is a journey of sensory delight. On the nose, it often presents an inviting bouquet of fragrant white flowers, intertwined with hints of pear, peach, and sometimes a touch of citrus zest. This aromatic dance is further enriched by subtle undertones of minerals, a nod to the volcanic soils of its homeland. On the palate, Greco wines showcase a beautiful balance between freshness and depth. The initial crisp acidity paves the way for flavors of ripe orchard fruits, often complemented by nuances of almond or hazelnut. This intricate interplay of aromas and tastes culminates in a finish that's typically long and mineral-driven, leaving an impression that beckons for another sip. The Greco grape, in its essence, is a celebration of the terroir of Greco di Tufo, capturing the region's soul in every drop.

In the renowned vineyards of Greco di Tufo DOCG, wines of profound character and distinction emerge. Each wine, crafted primarily from the region's star, the Greco grape, often sees a harmonious blending with the local Coda di Volpe to add further depth. This meticulous blending crafts wines with a range of expressions, all rooted in the region's rich terroir.

  1. Bianco: Setting the tone for the region's wines, Bianco boasts a minimum alcohol level of 11.5%. On the nose, it invites with vibrant floral notes, punctuated by fresh citrus and orchard fruits. The palate is met with a refreshing acidity, intertwined with flavors of peach, apricot, and hints of almond. The wine's mineral backbone, a testament to the volcanic soils of the region, ensures a finish that lingers, echoing the nuances of its birthplace.
  2. Bianco Riserva: A step deeper into complexity, the Bianco Riserva commands a minimum alcohol content of 12.0% and an aging process of at least a year. This extended maturation accentuates the wine's aromatic profile, introducing nuances of dried fruits and subtle spices. On the palate, richer tones of honeyed fruits emerge, perfectly balanced by a zesty acidity and a pronounced mineral finish.
  3. Spumante: A bubbly expression of the Greco di Tufo terroir, the Spumante carries an alcohol minimum of 12.0%. Aged for at least 18 months on the lees, this sparkling delight showcases lively effervescence. Aromatically, it offers delicate white flowers, green apple, and hints of brioche. On the palate, its vibrant bubbles carry flavors of citrus, pear, and a touch of toasted almond, culminating in a crisp, mineral-laden finish.

Spumante Riserva: The epitome of craftsmanship, the Spumante Riserva demands a rigorous aging process, resting for a minimum of 36 months on the lees. This extensive maturation results in a wine with a rich aromatic tapestry, blending notes of honeycomb, dried fruits, and subtle yeasty undertones. On tasting, its bubbles deliver a symphony of flavors, from ripe stone fruits to hints of caramel, all underpinned by a tantalizing mineral streak.

arrow-back-to-top