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Greco di Tufo
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Classification: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata - Quality Wines Produced in a Specific Region)
Color: Straw-yellow or golden
Production zone: Campania
Minimum alcohol content: 11.5%
Varieties used: Greco di Tufo (85-100%), Coda di Volpe Bianca (0-15%) |
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THE WINE OF THE ANCIENT ROMANS |
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The name derives from that of a small town called Tufo in the Southern Italian province of Avellino, a town in the heart of an area largely dominated by the production of grapes for this celebrated wine of the Campania region (approx. 360 m above sea level).
This wine is pale yellow to yellow in color with a characteristic, quite pleasant fruity nose and a well-balanced and dry palate.
The product of a very ancient variety that according to experts originated in Greece, Thessaly to be exact, it was probably brought to Italy at the turn of the 6th century B.C. The ancient Romans were particularly fond of it and it is mentioned in classical literature, as well as in several inscriptions found on frescoes at Pompei, concrete testimony of a popularity that has survived the trials of time.
To celebrate the memory of such grandeur, each year in September the small Irpinia town organises a grand fźte in honour of its most renowned local product. This event also provides an opportunity to taste all the local wines. Tufo incidentally, is one of the Cittą del Vino (Wine Towns), namely one of 434 municipal councils that make up the "Cittą del Vino" association, set up to promote the eternal union between wine and country throughout Italy.
Its characteristics make Greco di Tufo an excellent wine to accompany fish-based first courses, like Spaghetti with lobster and artichokes, but its great structure lso allows it to be served with white meat and cold platters in general. Not forgetting what a pleasant aperitif it makes, served at approximately 10°C and opened just before serving.
Irpinia deserves to be known not just for its cuisine, celebrated with several festivals, but for its wines too, of which one at least deserves special mention: Taurasi (DOCG, Aglianico variety 85-100%).
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