Taurasi DOCG is made from Aglianico — a grape the ancient Greeks brought to southern Italy 2,500 years ago (the name likely derives from "Helleniko" — Hellenic). Grown in the Irpinia hills east of Naples at 400-700m elevation, Aglianico produces wines of extraordinary tannic structure, dark fruit intensity, and aging potential that rivals Barolo and Brunello. A great Taurasi can age 30-50 years. The mandatory minimum aging is 3 years (4 for Riserva). The catch: almost nobody outside Italy knows about it. While Barolo sells for €40-200, equivalent-quality Taurasi sells for €15-40. This won't last. Campania guide → · Naples →
Plan my Campania wine trip →Mastroberardino (Atripalda): The family that saved Aglianico from extinction in the 20th century — their Radici Taurasi Riserva is the benchmark for the DOCG. Historic cellars, visitor-friendly. €15-30 tasting. Feudi di San Gregorio (Sorbo Serpico): Modern architecture by Hikaru Mori, restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, and wines that balance power with elegance. The Piano di Montevergine Riserva is the top cuvée. €20-40 tasting. Terredora di Paolo: Fatica Contadina Taurasi is muscular, long-lived, and excellent value. Luigi Tecce (Paternopoli): The radical natural-wine Taurasi — Poliphemo is wild, untamed, and fascinating. Cantine Antonio Caggiano (Taurasi village): The village's own producer — visit for geographic authenticity.
Irpinia is the hilly inland province of Avellino, 1-1.5h east of Naples by car. The landscape: green hills, chestnut forests, medieval villages, and a quiet that contrasts with the coastal chaos. Getting there: car from Naples (1h via A16). No useful train connections to the wine towns. Eat: Irpinia cuisine is mountain food — lamb, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, caciocavallo cheese, handmade pasta. Prices retail: Taurasi €15-25, Riserva €25-40. The value compared to Barolo or Brunello is extraordinary. Combine with: Naples (1h), Amalfi Coast (1.5h), Benevento (30min — Arco di Traiano), Avellino (15min).