Taurasi is the wine that made us fall in love with Irpinia. We have tasted it in the villages where it is made, among hills covered in vineyards and chestnut woods, and every time we have been struck by how well it tells the story of its land. Here is what you need to know about this great Campanian red.
A red from Aglianico
Taurasi is made from at least 85% Aglianico grapes; the rest may come from other non-aromatic black grape varieties. Aglianico is a late-ripening grape: in Irpinia the harvest often comes well into the season, between late October and November. The result is a deeply coloured wine with firm tannins and remarkable freshness, built to last a long time.
The production rules provide for two types: Taurasi and Taurasi Riserva.
From DOC to the first DOCG of the South
Taurasi was recognised as a DOC in 1970 and then as a DOCG by decree of 11 March 1993: it was the first DOCG of southern Italy. The production rules have been updated several times in the years since.
The production area
The area covers 17 municipalities in the province of Avellino, on the hills of the Calore valley. Besides Taurasi, which gives the wine its name, there are Bonito, Castelfranci, Castelvetere sul Calore, Fontanarosa, Lapio, Luogosano, Mirabella Eclano, Montefalcione, Montemarano, Montemiletto, Paternopoli, Pietradefusi, Sant'Angelo all'Esca, San Mango sul Calore, Torre le Nocelle and Venticano. Here the vineyards grow on medium-altitude hills, with wide temperature swings between day and night that help the grapes ripen slowly.
Ageing and characteristics
Taurasi must be aged for at least 3 years, at least one of them in wooden casks. The Riserva requires at least 4 years, with at least 18 months in wood. The period is counted from 1 December of the harvest year. The minimum alcohol content is 12%, rising to 12.5% for the Riserva.
In the glass we find ripe red and black fruit, spices, balsamic notes and, with age, hints of leather and tobacco. It is a wine we recommend opening unhurriedly and pairing with red meat, game, mature cheeses and the richest dishes of Irpinian cooking.
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 DOCG has now passed thirty years: the Campania Region's Guida Catalogo 2024 celebrated precisely the milestone of Taurasi's first three decades.
Where to taste it and what is nearby
The best way to get to know Taurasi is to travel through the villages of the appellation, from Taurasi with its castle to Montemarano and Paternopoli, booking cellar visits along the way. The same province is also home to Fiano di Avellino DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG, while Aglianico is found throughout the province under the Irpinia DOC. For the full picture, read The wines of Avellino, the guide Avellino and its surroundings and our wine guide The wines of Campania. At the table, pair it with the typical dishes of Avellino and Irpinia.
Sources: Taurasi 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 (Taurasi): jimmyweee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.