Greco di Tufo is the white we associate with the villages perched above the Sabato valley, north of Avellino. It has a strong character, savoury and mineral, that sets it apart from any other Campanian white. Let us take you to discover this small but very well-known DOCG.
The Greco grape
Greco is a white grape variety that, according to tradition, was brought to Campania by Greek colonists. The wine is made from at least 85% Greco grapes, with Coda di Volpe optionally added up to 15%. It is a grape with good acidity that gives structured wines, well suited to sparkling wine production too.
The history of the appellation
Greco di Tufo was recognised as a DOC in 1970 and as a DOCG by decree of 18 July 2003, the same day as Fiano di Avellino. In 2020 the production rules were amended to introduce the Riserva type, for the sparkling wine as well.
Today there are four types: Greco di Tufo, Riserva, Spumante and Spumante Riserva. The sparkling wine must rest on its lees for at least 18 months, the Riserva version for at least 36 months.
Eight municipalities in the Sabato hills
The production area is very compact: it covers just 8 municipalities in the province of Avellino. They are Tufo, Altavilla Irpina, Chianche, Montefusco, Prata di Principato Ultra, Petruro Irpino, Santa Paolina and Torrioni. The name of the village of Tufo recalls the local rock, and sulphur mines were also active in this area for a long time: a distinctive subsoil that many link to the wine's pronounced minerality.
What it is like in the glass
The minimum alcohol content is 11.5%, and 12% for the Riserva and the sparkling wines. Greco is straw yellow, with aromas of peach, citrus, almond and herbs, and a fresh, savoury palate with a slightly almondy finish. We also love it after a few years in the bottle, when it becomes broader.
We recommend pairing it with fish dishes, fried food, vegetable pasta dishes and fresh cheeses. The sparkling version is perfect as an aperitif.
These appellations are protected and promoted by the Consorzio di tutela dei vini d'Irpinia, recognised by the Ministry, as the Campania Region's Guida Catalogo 2024 points out.
The Guida Catalogo 2024 confirms that the 2020 revision of the Irpinian production rules brought in Greco di Tufo Riserva and Greco di Tufo Spumante Riserva.
Where to taste it and what is nearby
A tour of Tufo, Santa Paolina and Montefusco, with its panoramic old village, will show you where this wine comes from. Then carry on towards the areas of Fiano di Avellino DOCG and Taurasi DOCG wine, or discover the Irpinia DOC. To plan your trip, read The wines of Avellino, the guide Avellino and its surroundings and our wine guide The wines of Campania. Not to be missed, a short way off, is the Sanctuary of Montevergine.
Sources: Greco di Tufo DOCG production rules (AIS); MASAF, production rules for DOP and IGP wines; Campania Region with AIS Campania, Guida Catalogo 2024 of the wine-growing and wine-making companies of Campania.
Photo at the top (Tufo): Gianfranco Vitolo from Sarno (Sa), Italia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.